Outside Food, Inside Job

(It’s a busy night and, like almost every movie theater, we have a policy of no outside food or drinks. I’m ushering/taking tickets when a customer comes up to me with a large drink from another store. On busy nights the managers are always walking about and keeping a sharp eye on the lobby.)

Me: “I’m sorry, ma’am; you can’t bring that in. You have to finish it in the lobby or throw it out.”

Customer: “But it’s tea. I’m sick.”

Me: “I’m sorry, but I still can’t let you in with it.”

Customer: “Says who?”

(I point to the sign in front of me.)

Me: “It’s our policy.”

Customer: “Well, I talked to the manager, and he said it was okay that I can bring it in.”

(My manager, who is right behind me, suddenly turns around.)

Manager: “Hi, I’m the manager. It’s nice to meet you.”

(The customer looks shocked, goes silent, throws the tea out, and ignores me when I let her in.)