Movie Theater Complaint

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You can make a complaint about a movie theater for not using open captions or for other violations.

What Happens Next

If you don't include your address or email with your Service Request, you won't receive follow up. The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) will consider your complaint a tip.

If you include your address, DCWP will mail you a complaint form. You must complete and return it to DCWP. If you provide your email address, you'll get the form by email instead. Check your spam folder if you don't see it in your inbox.

Open captions are the written, on-screen display of what is happening in the motion picture. This helps moviegoers who are deaf and hard of hearing. 

Movie theaters in New York City that offer more than 10 movie showings in a week must use open captions in some of their showings.

Movie theaters also must advertise the date and time of open-captioned showings the same way they advertise all other showings. Ads must state which showings include open captions.

These rules do not apply to private screening facilities that don’t show movies to a general audience.

Learn more about open caption rules in movie theaters.

You can make a complaint about a movie theater for:

  • False or misleading advertising
  • Minors present during school hours
  • Overcharge

The Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) does not accept reports of rude employees. Report this type of complaint to the business.

For reports of discrimination, go to the Discrimination page.

The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) can help you with complaints about businesses in New York City. For complaints about businesses elsewhere, contact the local consumer affairs office or the State Attorney General.

Online

Learn how to file a complaint about a business outside of NYC.

By Phone

  • Agency: Nassau County Consumer Affairs
  • Phone Number: (516) 571-2600
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM

  • Agency: Suffolk County Consumer Affairs
  • Phone Number: (631) 853-4600
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM

  • Agency: Westchester County Department of Consumer Protection
  • Phone Number: (914) 995-2155
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM

  • Agency: New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs
  • Phone Number: (973) 504-6200
  • Business Hours: Monday - Friday: 9 AM - 5 PM

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