Broken AC leaves moviegoers sweating

SHALLOTTE, NC (WWAY) — For days now the temperatures have soared into the 90s and even beyond. For many people going to the movies is a great way to beat the heat. But in Shallotte, one movie theater is leaving folks sweating indoors.

An on-going AC problem is continuing at Coastal Cinemas.

It’s cool. It’s dark. The movies are normally the perfect places to get away from blazing summer temps. Or is it?

“It was so hot in there. And come to find out that most of the theaters do not have air conditioning,” said Rita Griffin, who left the theater due to the heat.

According to Thomas Bridgen, the Frank Theatres Director of Operations, Coastal Cinemas has been working on issues with AC units since about March. He said the company is doing everything they can to get the systems back on and make sure the theaters don’t become unsafe.

Some customers said the heat inside is just unbearable.

“We’re not willing to sit in a sauna,” said Griffin.

She and her husband are instead looking for another way to cool down.

“It’s hot enough outside,” said Griffin. “But being in there would just make it worse.”

Coastal Cinemas manager Eric Brown said that the staff at the theater is doing their best to make sure customers know about the temperatures inside the theaters before they purchase tickets.