Staff at wonderful theatre are just rude
Re Theatre accused of discrimination, March 7 I have been going to the Kingsway Theatre for over 25 years. I love the small theatre with the velvet curtains and the nostalgic café in the front and the ability to buy a glass of wine or a beer to enjoy while I watch the film. Sadly, there has been a slow decline in common courtesy and manners at the theatre in the past years.
I am a white, very average-looking middle-aged woman. The second-last time I went to the theatre I was told I had to dump my water bottle out. I asked why and was told I might have alcohol in it. I told them to sniff it but it wasn’t good enough. I then said I felt offended by the way the young woman was speaking to me and I was told if I was offended, I should just go elsewhere. I let them dump my water bottle and left thinking maybe she was just having a bad day.
The last time I went I had a similar experience. The staff was very rude and short with me. I knew enough not to take a backpack because I, like the woman who was insulted, did not want to leave my backpack or bag with valuables. The cashiers often have to leave the front to go clean the bathroom and auditorium, make and deliver drinks, etc. It is not a secure environment.
I also doubt the woman would have slammed her backpack down if she had a laptop and other valuable items in it. I go to many venues in Toronto that sell alcohol and am never asked to leave my bag.
I don’t understand the behaviour, especially when it is such a challenge keeping specialty film venues alive. The people who work at the Kingsway are just plain rude. Wendy Adeliyi might take some comfort in the fact she is not alone.
What a shame that such a wonderful theatre should have such poor management. Liz Hellreich, Toronto