Carding folly

Regarding the bar at the ArcLight Cinemas [“At ArcLight, Cinema With a Chaser,” June 26], my 62-year-old wife and I recently attempted to attend a “21+” screening. Because she chose to carry a small shoulder bag that night, she left her wallet with picture ID at home. Although I am gray-haired and 58 years of age, my picture ID got me through, but the young ticket agent adamantly refused to sell my wife a ticket without proof that she was over 21. Because of our persistence, he eventually relented, but not without a stern warning that we would most likely be turned away at the door to the theater.

Still disbelieving, we moved to the theater line. Suspense built at this second checkpoint as the young couple in front of us, probably in their 30s, were denied entrance because one was not carrying a picture ID. We were up next and, much to my wife’s disappointment, she was waved into the theater with nary a second glance, resulting in a mixture of emotions that she is trying to overcome to this day.

B.J. Markel

Los Angeles