Theater had good reasons for new policy, but changes may be coming

I read with interest the article in the Nevada Appeal that outlined the new policy implemented by the Galaxy Theatre whereas all persons younger than age 18 would be required to be accompanied by an adult older than age 21 on Friday and Saturday nights. In response to the calls and e-mails I received as mayor and with concern of my own, I met with the principals of both the Galaxy Theatre and the Casino Fandango to better understand the issues that prompted this new rule. It was explained to me that the following issues forced the new policy to be put into place:

• Fights were starting in the theaters, foyer and parking lot. Tagging was showing up on the facility and property.

• Theater assets such as seats were being damaged. Some young people were persistently insubordinate to adults and law enforcement.

• The theater was apparently being used as a babysitting service. Parents were often dropping off their children, as young as 8 years old, for up to 6 hours at a time on Friday and Saturday nights.

• Unsupervised children were disrupting theater patrons to the degree that refunds needed to be given. At one time, an entire theater seating of 300 had to be refunded for a single show.

• Adult patrons and families complained that they would no longer come to the theater on Friday and Saturday nights because of excessive out-of-control youths.

We discussed these issues and I agree with Galaxy Theatre that changes need to be made for all concerned. The people of Carson City wanted and needed a state-of-the-art movie theater complex for a long time. Galaxy Theatre and the Casino Fandango have invested a significant amount of money to bring this community a first class venue for all to enjoy. However, they have every right to protect their sizable investment. This policy is not unique to Carson City - it has been implemented in other parts of the country.

It is unfortunate that negligent and irresponsible parents and youth have caused this policy that penalizes all parents and youth of our community. The Galaxy Theatre and Casino Fandango are fully aware of the frustration of conscientious youth and parents over this policy.

Galaxy Theatre and Casino Fandango are working on a plan that would allow our teens to once again enjoy this venue without being chaperoned. I sincerely hope that parents, youth and all citizens will work to make the plan successful.

• Marv Teixeira is the mayor of CarsonCity.