By Courtney Eales,Isobel Pankhurst

Copyright walesonline

When the weather turns dreadful, one of the finest activities available is a visit to the cinema. Catching the newest film releases can be savoured as a family outing, romantic date, or even as a solo adventure. With the colder seasons approaching, it might be wise to scrap those outdoor activities and make your way to the neighbourhood cinema . One of the primary factors that might deter people from a cinema visit is the cost of refreshments needed to sustain you during the film. It’s widely known that cinema prices can be exceptionally steep . According to the UK Cinema Association: “All cinemas rely on income from food and drink to make their businesses viable – for all films, only a proportion of box office revenue goes to the cinema itself. “Without this income, the cost of cinema tickets for everyone would need to be higher. This would in turn mean less people were able to afford to go to the cinema in the first place.” Whilst many of us enjoy smuggling treats into the cinema, others may prefer not to chance it. You might be astonished to discover the policies regarding bringing your own refreshments to the cinema, as each chain operates different regulations. Odeon stands as the premier cinema chain in the UK, with venues throughout the region. They have modernised in recent years and now run several “Odeon Luxe” cinemas , where every film showing features reclining seats or beds. Nevertheless, the regulations concerning food and drink in cinemas remain identical for all Odeon venues, whether they are Odeon Luxe establishments or standard locations. According to its website, Odeon states: “We have a fantastic range of cinema classics like popcorn, hot dogs and our famous nachos available to buy in cinema, but we do allow guests to bring in their own snacks and drinks.” The cinema operator further explains: “We do not allow the following to be brought in from outside the cinema: heated food, pungent food and alcoholic drinks.” Those uncertain about bringing their own refreshments can enquire with staff at their local Odeon branch. Vue has 92 cinemas across the UK and Ireland . Customers, according to its website, are not allowed to bring in any hot food or any alcohol drinks. Vue sells popcorn, nachos, milkshakes, and many other snacks and drinks, but if you’d like to bring your own you can. Its website states: “Feel free to bring your own food and drink with you, but leave the hot food and alcohol at home.” Showcase and Showcase Cinema de Lux operate fewer than 20 venues nationwide. The chain has addressed whether patrons may bring their own refreshments in its FAQ section. Showcase cinema states: “We do not allow guests to bring hot food, alcoholic beverages and drinks in glass containers into our buildings. We reserve the right to refuse admission.” Cineworld maintains a stringent policy prohibiting externally purchased hot meals or alcohol, and they retain the authority to deny customers access to screening rooms with hot food or alcoholic beverages purchased off-site. The cinema states: “We offer a wide range of drinks and snacks for you to enjoy when watching our movies, including cinema favourites such as popcorn, hot dogs and nachos.” In a separate warning, Cineworld tells patrons they must not vape inside the venue. They declare: “No, customers are not permitted to smoke or vape on the premises of any Cineworld cinema. “This includes any form of electronic cigarette or other artificial smoking devices. Cineworld reserves the right to require any person or customer found to be in contravention of this rule to leave the premises immediately without any entitlement to a refund.” Everyman venues could be considered a well-kept secret by many . The boutique cinema enforces stringent policies regarding bringing food into screenings. On its website, Everyman declares: “Only food and drinks purchased at the cinema are allowed into our screens.” The venue confirms it does provide refreshments. It explains: “Yes, we offer a variety of hot food and snacks, both savoury and sweet, at our fully licensed bars in all venues.” Every Everyman cinema boasts a complete bar and restaurant menu, accessible in the bar section or brought directly to your seat during the film.