UAE cinema chain would ‘consider’ ban on young children

Bosses at a UAE cinema chain say they are considering banning babies and small children from their theatres if the idea is supported by customers, daily newspaper The National reported on Saturday.

Currently Grand Cinemas, which has multiplexes across the country, allows children aged five and younger into G and PG-rated films, but at 7pm the infants are banned.

However some cinema goers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi say these young children shouldn’t be allowed in, no matter the time of day, the newspaper added.

Andy Fordham of Grand Cinemas told the newspaper a ban would be something they "may consider doing in the future, if there's sufficient demand".

"Not everyone has the luxury to drop the kids off at the grandparents, so if people do want to bring them to the cinema, we provide them with the option," he said.

The article made no reference to the cinema’s stance on people talking through films, or the use of mobile phones.