CHICAGO (WBBM) – It’s an unprecedented move in the Chicago area. Starting Saturday, the Classic Cinema chain will no longer allow children under age six into “R” rated movies. This includes theatres in 13 locations and 100 screens.
“Our reaction from the public has been about 98 percent positive,” said Classic Cinemas’ marketing manager Mark Mazrimas.
An email went out to all subscribers of the family-owned, independent Classic Cinemas, which stated they would be changing their “R” rated policy, excluding all children under age six. In addition, children ages six to eleven will be subject to pay full price, adult fares.
The decision came about following the holidays when Classic Cinemas were showing “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo,” and parents had brought their small children to the theatre.
Mazrimas said Classic Cinemas wants to give movie-goers a distraction-free environment and young children tend to get bored with R rated films and can act-out.
“R” rated films are limited to those aged 17 and up, unless they are accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Other cities for Classic Cinemas include Downers Grove, Oak Park, Elmhurst, Naperville, St. Charles, Kankakee, North Riverside, Woodstock, Carpentersville, Elk Grove Village, Freeport, and Fox Lake.
