The ‘D’ Is Silent, The Customer Won’t Be, Part 2

(I am working at the box office of a movie theater when a woman approaches my coworker’s window with two clearly underage sons.)

Customer: “Hi, I want two tickets to Django Unchained.”

Coworker: “Umm, are you going to see the movie with them?”

Customer: “No, I don’t want to see that movie.”

Coworker: “Unfortunately, Django Unchained is an R-rated movie, and our company policy is that anyone who is under 17 years old has to be accompanied by an adult. I can’t sell you tickets for just them.”

Customer: “What do you mean? That’s not fair. I shouldn’t have to buy a ticket for a movie I’m not going to.”

Coworker: “No, ma’am, you would have to actually go into the theater with them.”

Customer: “But I don’t want to see the movie! Fine then, I’ll buy a ticket for myself and then sell it to someone else in line who wants to see the movie!”

Coworker: “I’m sorry, but you can’t do that either.”

Customer: “I’m an adult! I can do whatever I want! I’m going to buy a ticket, and I’m going to sell it to someone else!”

Coworker: “Listen, let me get you my manager to—”

Customer: “I don’t want to talk to your manager! You’re not going to call him!”

Customer’s Son: “Mom, it’s okay. We really don’t need to see the movie.”

Coworker: *into walkie-talkie* “Can I get a manager to box?”

Customer: “I told you I don’t want to talk to your manager! Fine, I’ll just sit there with my eyes closed!”

(She purchases three tickets and goes inside. In the time it takes the customer to walk inside, the manager, who has heard everything, has come to the customer service counter at the box office. The customer walks straight up to my manager.)

Customer: “So, I guess YOU’RE the one I’m supposed to show THIS to.”

(The customer shoves her entire wallet with ID in my manager’s face.)

Customer: “See?! I’m over 17!”

Manager: “Ma’am, that isn’t the issue.”

Customer: “Yes it is! He told me I couldn’t buy a ticket unless I’m over 17!”

Manager: “The issue isn’t whether or not you’re 17. The issue is that your sons cannot see the movie without you watching it with them because it is an R-rated movie.”

Customer: “But—”

Manager: “This is not only a company policy, which is posted all over, but also the LAW. If we sell tickets to R-rated movies to anyone underage, we can be heavily fined or worse. I would be more than willing to refund all of your tickets if you do not wish to see the movie.”

Customer: “I don’t understand what the issue is! I’m an adult! I’M OVER 17! I guess I’ll just have to watch the movie with my eyes closed and cover my ears!”