Moviegoers watch a film at an Alamo Drafthouse on June 13, 2024, in Austin, Texas. The chain removed its pen-and-paper ordering system this year, and moviegoers have started a petition to reinstate a no-phones ban.
Brandon Bell/Getty Images
A Texas-born theater chain is facing scrutiny once again for its new policy that some loyal customers believe is ruining the magic of going to the movies, leading to a petition to bring back its pen-and-paper ways.
Earlier this year, Alamo Drafthouse implemented a major change to its concessions ordering process that garnered backlash, including from one Hollywood star. Now, a new Change.org petition supported by thousands of fans is urging Alamo Drafthouse to reinstate its longtime no-phone policy.
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Moviegoers like film critic Brint Davy, who created the petition, say that the use of phones in the theater contradicts the chain’s long-held “no talking, no texting, and keep your phone dark and out of sight” rule.
“To cinephiles, Alamo didn’t just screen movies; it was a fortress. Alamo Drafthouse made “No Talking, No Texting” the Law of The Land. Nay, a Constitutional Amendment. Nay! A Holy Commandment,” Davy said in the petition. “That is why the shift to smartphone ordering feels less like progress and more like a betrayal of Alamo’s soul.”
In February, Alamo Drafthouse replaced its traditional pen-and-paper model for concessions with a mobile ordering system that now requires moviegoers to use their phones to scan a QR code to order food and drinks.
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MySA reached out to Alamo Drafthouse, and a spokesperson declined to comment on the petition, but did point out a few key things about the new policy, including how the company is evolving to meet guests where they expect them to be in the future by providing them with a balance of both digital technology and its core appeal of going to the movies.
The spokesperson said the company has received strong positive feedback from the new model, including faster service, more food and drink options, the ability to order longer during films and a simpler payment process to close-out checks. They also said 85% of ordering takes place before the film starts, which has allowed guests to be able to save their favorite items, order ahead and schedule items to be delivered throughout the film.
The change has caused mixed reactions from some fans who dislike the new phone-only experience, while others prefer it.
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One Redditor said, “From a customer perspective, I think it’s great and less distracting/more user friendly.” Another Reddit user, Sideview_play, also shared his experience, commenting, “Personally I had a great experience with the QR system. Got there early. Put it in. No check dance distraction during the climax.”
However, X user,@davidehrlich, disagreed, saying they’re “not a fan” of the new system.
finally had a chance to experience Alamo Drafthouse’s new phone-driven moviegoing experience and it’s safe to say I was not a fan. https://t.co/hvNXsOWh44
— david ehrlich (@davidehrlich) April 10, 2026
Petition over Alamo Drafthouse’s mobile ordering takes off
As of Thursday, May 28, the petition has received more than 9,600 signatures in support of the cause. In Davy’s “articles of grievance,” he states that Alamo Drafthouse, “cannot demand ‘no texting’ while forcing us to use a phone to order.” He also emphasized that he missing was the “magic” of the old paper ordering system with a server because it was, in his words, “effective, tactile, and most importantly? Dark.”
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For nearly three decades, Alamo Drafthouse enforced a strict no-phones or distractions policy to protect the cinematic experience, which meant that texting and even talking during the movies could get you kicked out.
“Every time we or a seat-neighbor must consort with a phone, the cinematic immersion dies in an illuminated second-screen,” he wrote. “The “Notification” Rabbit Hole: One minute I’m ordering a Dr. Pepper, and in the next, I’ve accidentally seen a terrifying NextDoor notification about a porch poacher. The theater is supposed to be an escape, not an extension of my neighborhood watch.”
The petition demands that the company return to its original, iconic pen-and-paper ordering system that moviegoers enjoyed for years. However, it’s unclear if that will ever make a comeback.
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“We petition Alamo Drafthouse to reinstate the analog ordering system. Keep our smartphones off and in our pockets where they belong,” Davy concluded. “Honor your original mission to provide a distraction-free environment. Let us watch movies the way Davy Crockett would have—without thinking about his smart phone. Otherwise, we can go to the movies at home.”
The company emphasized that it has received positive feedback on its new ordering system and will continue improving any potential disruptive elements while building on the benefits of the technology-driven experience.