AMC Rockford Showplace 16 has issued a new weekend rule. I can hear the complaining about the restrictions already. What else could they have done, I ask?

New rules at AMC Showplace 16 aimed to keep trouble away

If this is the first you're hearing about these new rules, here's what changed.

For now, at AMC Rockford Showplace 16 (not Showplace 14 in Machesney Park) kids under age 16 are prohibited from attending a movie without a guardian after 6 p.m. on the weekends.

That guardian also needs to be at least 21 years of age.

While issues with teens on the weekends is not a new problem, it becoming a bigger one. In October, a huge fight broke out in the lobby. Police were called to help break up the fight. It was also reported that someone had a gun, but later that turned out to be false.

Dear AMC Rockford Showplace 16,

My name is Steve Shannon and I have been a long-time customer. I've missed you greatly. My family had a pretty busy summer so I have only been in once since you re-opened after the worst of the Covid pandemic passed.

It was an expensive visit, as I brought my crew of 5 to see the new Addams Family movie. Actually, it's about that big expense that has me wanting to extend a little gratitude today.

The movie was fun, everyone was in a great mood, the kind of day you remember for quite a while. That has tremendous value to me. We snack hard and I'm often incapable of controlling my popcorn intake. I'm sure I spent over $100. It's a lot of money and I'd be lying if I didn't say that I often wonder exactly why it costs so much. Exactly why do you need so much of my money?

With this new 'under 16 weekend policy', I think I know what value has been added back to my $100 entertainment investment.

It's the 'parenting fee' to be paid to your employees and any security you have to hire, to do what the disrespectful elements actual parents, apparently won't.

Just wanted to say 'thank you' for making a decision with the hope that it will make a trip to the movies a little safer.

Steve Shannon

Sure wish it didn't have to be this way but a business must do what it has to do to preserve the experience they provide, and at present, they believe this 'under 16 ban' will get the job done.

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