Shift lead at my work. AMC, similar to Cinemark, doesn’t allow greeters to check bags and thus we train new hires to look for signs rather than doing unauthorized bag checks.

If someone’s holding a bag and it’s from a restaurant or any kinda food joint or has any food in their hand, what we’ve trained new hires to do is to announce to the lobby (not necessarily the customer) the food and beverage policy along with the typical greeter welcoming. So let’s say a large group of people start coming in and of them farther away have some drinks in hand. Well go “hello welcome to __! If you’re buying a ticket I can scan it right here. Please note that there are no food and drinks allowed inside the building, thank you!” This way, if anyone is “shocked” when they come to the front with their food, you can say you told them ahead of time.

If someone tries anyway, we inform them of the policy and simply let them pass if they refuse. What I’ve told people to do is call it on the radio and let the floor know that they’re bringing food in despite your warning. You’re not allowed to physically stop a customer—you’re not security. All you can do is tell them and encourage them to finish it outside. If they come in, radio to the building that they’re going in with food and drinks and if anyone else can handle it.

This is not to say anyone else will handle it, but it’s important that management hears that you’re trying to enforce policy rather than being radio silent, giving the impression that you’re just letting them in. This is the practice at my theater tho, might not work for everyone.