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"Persecution at the Cinema"

I'm sure many people have either had to lie about their age to get into a cinema or been refused entry because they don't look the required age even if they actually are the right age.

Surely this is an area which needs work in the cinema. Most cinemas allow anyone in if they look the right way or any people who don't look the right age who provide proof of age. Surely this is persecution? Just because you look younger than you actually are you are refused entry to a cinema. This is fair enough but when people who aren't the right age can go in without need of any proof of age just because they look OLDER it just makes a mockery of the system. Seriously, this is a type of persecution.

So what can cinemas do to prevent this type of persecution? Asking everyone who goes to the cinema their age no matter how old they look would be an outrageous idea. Just think of a 50 year old being asked for ID.. Instead I reckon cinemas should develop a technology which prevents the need of ID and is simple. A simple membership card could solve all these problems. People could prove their ages when they register and this card could be swiped upon purchase of a ticket. Cinemas could incorporate this idea into a loyalty points scheme.

But at the end of the day no one would want this idea as everyone always tries to get into cinemas when too young. If you haven't got into a 15 certificate when you were only 14 I'd be very suprised. So is it an advantage or disadvantage to have such a proof of age scheme? Or can people live with having to provide proof of age just to get into a film while more older looking people who aren’t the right age can get in with ease. Maybe you don’t care because it doesn’t affect you. Maybe it does.

So does anyone else think the current proof of age scheme we have across Britain is totally useless? Your viewpoints please.

VenomByte wrote:
> I think the main complaint here, is:

"I can't get into a
> mvie underage, as I look even younger than I am. I don't think it's
> fair that other people should be able to, either"

Actually I couldn't get into a 15 when I was actually 15 by 10 days. I had no ID so I missed out on a movie I would have liked to have seen. Meanwhile I saw some people I knew were 13 get in. I felt this was unfair and just because they looked older. That is all I'm saying and I'm sure many others would have had the same experience.

But it is quite embarrassing in front of your mates when you are asked for ID and they aren't. Its rather intimidating actually.

ID cards are one of those things that nobody should have a problem with unless they're doing something wrong....

In the rest of Europe (you know, that thing that we are supposed to be a part of!) they have identity cards. This has been shouted down as a ludicrous scheme in the UK as it 'takes away our rights'. Yeah, right. Most people have Switch cards, library cards, video shop cards and us oldsters have driving licences and many other forms of ID too. I think it helps to determine your age, and helps you in many respects, including the ones you've mentioned.

Many people were complaining about the need to carry ID around when the police ask for it (in Italy you have to keep it with you, even on the beach!) but we don't have to have that system, just a general ID card. I know most police stations do a proof of age card now, but a countrywide system would be nice, instead of standing there in a squeeky voice saying 'I am 18, honest!'

As for persecution in the cinema, when I read the title, I was thinking more of the Life of Brian film, at the end...

Always look on the bright side of life.....

Venom, it's cool, I know you weren't complaining yourself, and I wasnt responding to you specifically.

I agree with what you're saying, but I still think that if you get busted for trying to sneak into movies underage?
Tough, wait.

And if you think it's unfair you still get id when you're above that age, it is a bonus to look young.

It's easier to prove you're older than it is younger.

I wasn't speaking for myself in particular (hence the quotation marks), but trying to summarise the general gist of the thread.

Being asked for ID is no hassle if you're old enough - you'll probably have some.

A question for those complaining in this thread:

Are you annoyed that you still get ID'd, or that some underage people don't?

VenomByte wrote:
> I think the main complaint here, is:

"I can't get into a
> mvie underage, as I look even younger than I am. I don't think it's
> fair that other people should be able to, either"


Well you cant complain because you're doing something you shouldn't be anyway.
How is that right? They wont let me break the law, but they'll let him because he looks older?

Dont blame cinemas, blame your parents for weak genetic coding.

The easy answer, and it's staring us right in the face:
Don't go to see movies you're not old enough to.
Or, take it like a grown-up and admit you got busted.

I think the main complaint here, is:

"I can't get into a mvie underage, as I look even younger than I am. I don't think it's fair that other people should be able to, either"

That's a fair enough argument. Discrimination simply due to the way you look - but that happens everywhere in life, not just cinemas. It's something you just have to learn to live with.

Rakuga wrote:
> Yes but its unfair on those people who look younger. Why do they
> have to get a proof of age card while others walk in with ease even
> when younger it's unfair.

It's called Genetics.

Some people look younger than they are, some look older.
It's a simple and easy to understand point.

If you get upset because you don't look 15 or 18, get an id card to prove you are.
Or dont try to get into movies that are older than you are.

Because, if they look older they get in, why is this so difficult??? It all comes down to one individuals opinion, I look at many people in pubs and clubs and think how did they get in here!!

Yes but its unfair on those people who look younger. Why do they have to get a proof of age card while others walk in with ease even when younger it's unfair.

And Murphys Law.. don't get me started on that. That's an interesting discussion and it DOES exist!! :)