We always stop at the local CVS before going to the movies and stock up on snacks, water, etc. Only once were we stopped by the ticket ripper because we blatantly brought the store bag in instead of stuffing our pockets or bringing my larger purse.
I refuse to be held hostage by their extortionistic prices.
When a friend and I used to go to the movies, she brought the bottle of wine, I brought the cups. And long before those times, friends and I would sit in the car just before going in and toke a few....ah, good times.
While they might say it's a liability issue, it's not...it's cutting into their profits, pure and simple. And, at least we're neater about it; we take the stuff out with us, not toss the empties on the floor.