Family upset by teen ID request
Bernadette Smith took her 15-year-old daughter Siobhan to see a 15 certificate film at Birstall Showcase but staff wouldn't accept she was 15. She says the cinema needs to do more to tell people in advance that they may need photo ID. (D531A236)
A FAMILY turned away from a cinema because a 15-year-old couldn’t prove her age is calling for more clarity about the need for ID.
Siobhan Smith, 15, went to Birstall’s Showcase cinema last Tuesday with her mum, Bernadette Smith, and her uncle Kenneth Smith.
Siobhan was being taken to see Keith Lemon: The Movie, a 15 certificate film, as a treat for the end of the school holidays.
But when they tried to buy tickets they were asked for photo ID to prove Siobhan was old enough.
They then spoke to a manager, and Bernadette again vouched for her daughter’s age, but they were still refused entry and went home disappointed.
Siobhan, a pupil at St John Fisher Catholic school in Dewsbury, said she was surprised to be asked for ID as she wasn’t usually mistaken for someone younger.
She said: “People say that I look older, if anything.”
Bernadette, of Smithies Moor Lane, Birstall, said: “She was a bit upset because she knew for a fact she was old enough.”
Bernadette said she agreed Showcase should uphold the law but said they should do more to advertise the need for proof of age. She said they could put up posters saying what types of photo ID were accepted by the multiplex chain.
Showcase Cinemas delined to comment on the Smith family’s complaint.
l WHAT do you think? Should cinemas do more to educate customers about the need for photo ID?
Write to us using the details on page 2. Please include your contact details.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Batley
Saturday 25 May 2013
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 6 C to 16 C
Wind Speed: 10 mph
Wind direction: North
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 7 C to 18 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: West
