One of Alamo's famous "Don't Talk/Text" PSAs that defined their brand
Alamo built their entire brand on kicking people out for texting.
Now Sony forces you to stare at your phone to order popcorn.
"NO PHONES"
Famously strict. Kicked out texters. PSAs before every movie mocking phone users. Built their entire brand on being the anti-phone theater.
"We were created by film lovers for film lovers."
PHONES REQUIRED
QR code ordering mandatory. Can't get food without pulling out your phone during the movie. The exact thing they used to throw people out for.
Hypocrisy level: MAXIMUM
The one thing that made Alamo special: you could escape phones. Now you can't order food without pulling yours out during the film.
Complete betrayal of their core identity.
Sony cut 30% of staff. QR codes eliminate more jobs. But ticket prices? Still the same. They're pocketing the savings while giving you worse service.
This is textbook enshittification.
Hundreds fired nationwide with zero notice. Westminster alone: 23 workers gone. More layoffs expected. Phone calls the night before. No severance.
These aren't "efficiencies." They're livelihoods.
QR codes on tables can be replaced by scammers. "Quishing" attacks steal payment info. Fake menus capture your credit card. Public QR codes are inherently vulnerable.
Your financial data at risk for popcorn.
Security experts warn that restaurant QR codes are prime targets for fraud:
"We're implementing a system that will cut that remaining workforce down to somewhere closer to a third."
They're not even hiding it anymore.
If you have an Alamo Season Pass, cancel it. Hit them where it hurts: revenue.
Cancellation GuideJoin 5,000+ others demanding Alamo reverse the phone policy and stop the layoffs.
Sign NowSkip Alamo in March. Go to an independent theater instead. Show Sony this has consequences.
Find Indie TheatersIf you're at an Alamo, peel off the QR code sticker from your table. Physical resistance works.
(Peaceful protest. Don't damage property.)
Email Sony Pictures CEO and let them know you're done with Alamo until they fix this.
Send EmailShare this page. Tell your friends. Post on social media. #AlamoSoldOut
Share CampaignHit them where it hurts. Here’s how to cancel:
If the path changes, use their help center or contact support and ask to cancel your Season Pass.
Decision makers: Ravi Ahuja, President & CEO, Sony Pictures Entertainment Michael Kustermann, CEO, Alamo Drafthouse.
Choose a tone, then copy the template and send to Sony/Alamo:
Send to: Ravi_Ahuja@spe.sony.com (Sony)and AVP@drafthouse.com (Alamo).
Instead of giving Sony your money, spend it at a theater that still cares about the experience. Here are ways to find and support independents near you.
Database of theaters worldwide. Search by city to find indie and historic cinemas.
Find TheatersTry “indie movie theater” or “art house cinema” plus your city. Support local before chains.