Building theatre patronage : management and merchandising (1927)

CHAPTER XXXV LEGAL PROBLEMS IT is not expected that the theatre manager know all intricate points of legal problems that might apply in theatre operation. The law that applies to theatres applies in some measure to everything else, and it is practically impossible even for a lawyer to be familiar with every phase of every possible legal problem in every section of the country. There are federal laws, state laws, municipal ordinances and regulations which, in their total for the entire country, would make a heavy volume. Local Ordinances. The manager, however, should be familiar with local ordinances that affect his theatre operation. He should acquaint himself with fundamental principles that apply to those common problems which he must face in emergencies that happen regularly. Ignorance of local ordinances will cause serious inconvenience. Repeated violations of local ordinances by a theatre create a very bad impression. Therefore, the manager should be aware of what phases of his operation are affected by local ordinances. The local ordinances that require particular attention are those governing the employment of minors, the admission of minors, building-code regulations concerning aisle widths, stairway railings, safety lighting, seating, standing room, lobby space, hanging signs, areaway obstructions, etc. Fire ordinances vary for different communities. The manager can readily secure a list of the regulations applicable to his theatre, and then conduct his operation accordingly. It is not a wise policy to "try to get away with it.*' Repeated violation of a regulation which has not resulted in any official notification puts the theatre at the mercy of an official who can cause serious trouble. Do not wait until the 422