Ask HN: Free popcorn at the theatre. Is this stealing?

3 pointsDesHacker5 comments

- Go to the trash bin and pick up a discarded bag of popcorn

- Ask for a refill and ask for a new tub

Posting here to get your thoughts.

Not really. It’s definitely not how the theatre intended it to work, but this isn’t really stealing - the theatre is willfully giving you more popcorn on the basis that you have an existing popcorn box. They are free to not do so and enforce more controls on which basis they give away this “free” popcorn.

You could just title this, "Stealing, how to get anything free"

Agreed. Movie theaters are gouging.

Two wrongs don't make a right. The theater's are gouging, but stealing isn't the answer. Spending your money elsewhere is. Last time I checked movie theaters are a luxury, not a need.

When I read your original title I figured there was coupon or some other gimmicky offer not petty theft.

Great point.

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