Cinema warns OAPs over 'juvenile behaviour'

If you thought childish behaviour at the cinema was reserved for the younger generation think again.

A letter has been handed out to pensioners at the Odeon, in Leicester, accusing them of "unacceptable" and "juvenile behaviour" at a Senior Screen event.

The three-page, unsigned, document was passed out to customers at one of the weekly showings at the cinema, in Freemans Park, earlier this month.

It said the behaviour was having a "negative, Draconian impact on what was once a happy occasion".

It added that if the behaviour did not stop, cinema management would look to take action, from "refusing to serve certain guests up to stopping Senior Screen altogether".

Customers were accused of threatening, pushing, poking, bullying, harassing and intimidating staff, saving seats for friends and queue-jumping.

Concerns were also raised about guests abusing the free tea and biscuits handed out, with the letter stating "...guests have been known to line multiple pockets of clothing and Tupperware boxes with biscuits..."

Senior Screen was started in 2000 to give older people the chance to watch classic films and modern blockbusters at a discounted rate during the daytime.

The Odeon has apologised for sending the letter, but some customers said they had been left feeling like naughty children.

Great Glen pensioners John and Shirley Gough, 74 and 73 respectively, said: "We are not naughty school children and we object to a three-page, A4 letter being handed out. It really is disgusting."

One woman, who asked not to be named, said: "I think it is unnecessary. I'm sure it is just a few people and only on the odd occasion when these things happen.

"There is no need to make us all feel guilty."

However, Christine Hewkin, from Aylestone, said she felt the cinema was right to highlight the behaviour.

She said: "I think the Odeon has made a fair comment.

"This type of behaviour has been going on for a long time and it will continue to go on if the cinema doesn't make a stand.

"It is annoying when you have queued and waited to find all the good seats have been saved for people who haven't even arrived yet."

Peter White, 75, from Thurnby, added: "If there have been complaints made by staff and members of the public, then the cinema are well within their rights to make a point."

A spokesperson for Odeon Cinemas said: "Odeon Leicester would like to apologise for any upset caused to its Senior Screen customers.

"In response to a significant number of specific requests, a letter was issued by the cinema to its Senior Screen customers based on the feedback the cinema had received in relation to customer behaviour.

"Odeon Leicester would like to reassure guests the letter was only issued in an attempt to ensure everybody could continue to enjoy the same positive experience at Senior Screen performances.

"Odeon is committed to entertaining film fanatics of all ages and is extremely proud of the Senior Screen season.

"Odeon's Senior Screen sessions will continue to operate as normal."