Teenage pals turned away from Mansfield cinema screening of Minions: The Rise of Gru over smart dress
Four teenage friends were stunned to be turned away from a Mansfield cinema - for being dressed smartly.
The friends had dressed up to see Minions: The Rise of Gru, echoing a viral TikTok trend, which shows cinema-goers dressing in suits to see the newly released Minions: The Rise of Gru, with many bringing along bananas for comedic effect.
Matt Bingham, of Mansfield, said: “My son and his friends went to the Mansfield Odeon to watch a film and were refused entry for being smartly dressed.
The 46-year-old said his son Joseph and friends, all aged 13, were refused access to a screening of Minions: The Rise of Gru.
He said: ““The manager told my son and his friends they couldn’t come in because two of them were wearing white shirts.
”We had to drive down to get them two jumpers to put on, so they would be allowed in.
”This is a joke because the boys had pre-booked tickets and nowhere on the website is there a dress code.”
A sign at the cinema entrance read: “Due to recent disturbances following the #GentleMinions trend, any group of guests in formal attire will be refused entry for showings of Minions: The Rise of Gru.”
It is unclear if any disturbances have taken place at the Mansfield cinema.
Matt said: “When I challenged the manager on the reasons why, he said it was because some kids in suits have been causing issues in cinemas, so, they decided to ban kids dressed smartly. Once the two boys had put jumpers on they were allowed in.
“As a parent, I understand there may be issues with this trend and sympathise with staff if disturbances have happened.
”However, I feel it is unfair to treat all young people like this due to one or two incidents.”
A spokesman for the Odeon cinema chain said: “Due to a small number of incidents in our cinemas over the weekend we have had to restrict access in some circumstances.
“We’re making sure any pre-bookings are refunded for any guests that were affected.”