Drafthouse starts 'no late seating' policy

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Starting Jan. 3, patrons of the Alamo Drafthouse will have to be on time and in their seats for a movie, or they will be refused entrance to a film, officials announced Wednesday.

The new "no late seating" policy is designed to to minimize distractions and make the movie-going experience as pleasant as possible, according to Brandy Fons, Alamo Drafthouse's spokeswoman.

No one will be seated once a film has started, and if a patron arrives late with a purchased ticket, they can apply the ticket to another show or have their money refunded, according to the new policy.

The no late seating policy comes in the wake of the reserved seating system that recently took effect at all Austin Alamo Drafthouse locations. The reserved seating caused people to show up later than they otherwise would, and the no late seating policy is designed to counteract the increased tendency to show up after the show start time and interrupt patrons who are already seated, according to Fons.