Santa Fe theater to search purses

SANTA FE (KRQE) - Women carrying purses into one of the big multiplex movie theaters in Santa Fe, better be ready to have them searched.

The theater says they are doing that in response to last month's mass murders in an Aurora, Colorado movie house, but some people question whether the purse searches are really about safety.

"It’s an invasion of privacy but i can see in recent light why it's happening,” Caroline Soloway said.

Caroline Soloway and her boyfriend just finished watching a movie at the Regal Stadium 14 Theater in Santa Fe. The ticket clerk searched her purse before she could see the show and Caroline says if she refused she wouldn't be allowed in.

"It wasn't an in depth search but they just kind of went through to see if there were any weapons,” Soloway said.

It is a move that has many questioning the theater's motive. Some wonder if they're making sure people aren't sneaking in snacks.

A theater manager wouldn't go on camera but said they don't confiscate contraband treats if they find them; they are only looking for weapons.

"It makes me feel safer at least they are checking and for safety reasons,” Eric Gonzales said. “We don't want this to happen again."

Some movie goers did not mind.

"It makes sense I wouldn't be too comfortable knowing a knowing a bunch of people are going in with bags now knowing what's happened,” Josue Ordunez said.

Soloway admits the move is a bit sexist since only women are being searched and she says it also causes a big hold up in lines.

Patrons say the Regal Theater in Devargas Mall is also searching purses but Regal refused to confirm that.

In Albuquerque, Ccentury Rio Theaters, the biggest of the multiplexes, does not search purses and they don't plan to.