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Colorado theater trial could prompt tight security at movies

A colorful sign decorates the entrance of the Cinemark Century 16 movie theater in Aurora, Colo., on Wednesday, May 11, 2016. During the May 10, 2016 start of a civil trial over whether Cinemark should have foreseen the 2012 deadly shooting attack here, an attorney for the cinema chain argued that the gunman was so determined that no security measures could have stopped him. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley) A colorful sign decorates the entrance of the Cinemark Century 16 movie theater in Aurora, Colo., on Wednesday, May 11, 2016. During the May 10, 2016 start of a civil trial over whether Cinemark should have foreseen the 2012 deadly shooting attack here, an attorney for the cinema chain argued that the gunman was so determined that no security measures could have stopped him. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley)

By Associated Press May 11, 2016 1 min read

CENTENNIAL, Colo. (AP) – Industry experts say that if a jury finds a Colorado theater at fault in the 2012 shooting rampage that left 12 moviegoers dead, theaters across the U.S. could be forced to adopt costly security measures. And that could mean higher ticket prices.

In a civil trial now underway, a jury is being asked to decide whether, in an age of mass shootings, the Cinemark theater chain should have foreseen the possibility of violence.

If the jurors agree Cinemark should have done more to prevent the attack, theaters could end up introducing metal detectors and security guards.

One security expert, Tom DeLuca, says tickets could go up $2 or $3. And some experts say the metal detectors could drive some moviegoers away.