Alamo Drafthouse Cinema’s new QR code policy is law of the land already at most locations, but one South by Southwest attendee wrote to Reddit to complain that the new era dawned (for them at least) earlier than expected.
Reddit user ayfilm posted to r/AlamoDrafthouse on Wednesday to reveal what happened at their “last Drafthouse screening at SXSW (and probably ever).”
According to the post, the customer’s server left them the following note during the movie. “Please scan the QR code on your receipt to complete payment.”
Under the note is a bill for $17.24. On the right, the customer left a note that reads, “I’m not doing that. Here’s $20. Keep the change. [Expletive] Alamo’s QR policy.”
Frequent Alamo customers will remember that the company announced back in January it would retire its pen and paper card model and call buttons and shift to only taking orders via QR code.
The announcement states that customers will use their smartphone to access a custom-built “dark screen” that allows them to order food and drink during the movie. “This doesn’t mean we’re changing our rules on talking or texting during the movie,” the announcement states.
As part of the change, Alamo will no longer supply pens or paper at each seat, which customers used to use to flag their orders or complaints about unruly patrons. According to the policy, customers are still able to pay in cash, but will pay before the movie ends.
The Reddit user said they spent the week attending screenings at the South Lamar location, which has retained its paper and pens for the time being. The redditor (and others) attributes this remnant of the policy to the theater’s partnership with SXSW. Throughout the week, the redditor said, they were allowed to pay in cash and avoid the QR code with no issues.
However, at the person’s last film, “the guy kept trying to get me to use my phone,” the redditor wrote. “From pre-show to right before trailers ended, and I kept saying no. He delivered me this note during the movie.”
The person continued, “I get that he’s just following orders, and I get that he has to wait until I’ve closed my tab. But on principle alone I just can’t abide this QR policy.”
Patch contacted Alamo Drafthouse Cinema via press email for comment about the Reddit post and the claims about the delay in implementation of the QR policy at South Lamar.