Marcus Cinema in Cedar Rapids implements new chaperone policy for minors

CEDAR RAPIDS — The Marcus Wehrenberg Cedar Rapids Cinema implemented a new policy Friday requiring anyone under 18 to be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian over age 25 in order to see movies starting at 6 p.m. or later.

The Cedar Rapids cinema is not the first Marcus Theatre to implement such a policy. According to the frequently asked questions page on the Marcus Theatres’ website, eight other theaters owned by the chain in Wisconsin, Illinois and Ohio have the same policy,

Marcus Theatres did not respond Monday to a phone call and an email asking what led to the decision to implement the new policy.

There were two disturbances involving minors at the cinema a couple of weeks before this change was made, according to the Cedar Rapids Police Department. Police responded to the theater once on June 29 and once on July 1. A minor was arrested as a result of these disturbances.

The cinema regularly employs off-duty Cedar Rapids police officers to serve as security, police said.

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