Cinebar Coolangatta, which offers a “budget-friendly Gold Class alternative” with full-service dining options delivered to customers’ seats, recently refused customers from bringing their own food into the venue.

Gold Coast mum Anita told news.com.au that staff searched her bag and refused to allow her to bring her own snacks into the film with her.

“I’ve been to this cinema a handful of times and have always purchased popcorn and a drink combo as well as bringing my own water bottle in my bag from home with no issues,” she told news.com.au.

“I’d learned from prior visits with my three young kids that there are limited options for fussy kids who also have dietary requirements, so on this particular visit, I had a small snack (a handful of dairy-free M&M’s and a snack packet of Burger Rings) in my bag, along with water.

“I intended to also purchase a popcorn and drink combo,” she added.

Anita was given the option to leave her bag behind the counter or be refused entry into the movie “with no option to obtain a refund” of the tickets she had purchased for herself and three young children.

The business has a 4.3-star rating on Google Reviews, with numerous glowing reviews.

However, some disgruntled customers shared that they were not happy with the cinema’s no outside food policy.

One customer said they had a “very disappointing experience” after they felt “pressured into buying overpriced food and drinks, with a staff member persistently asking if I was going to make a purchase.”

The customer, under the name K Raw, added: When I mentioned that I might come back later, he then demanded to check my bag.

“To my dismay, he found a raspberry lemonade, which is my son’s favourite treat. He took it away from us, making the situation extremely awkward and embarrassing.

“I would much rather spend a bit more money and buy Event Cinemas Gold Class tickets where the staff are friendly.”

Cinebar’s CEO, Dave Taylor, responded to the comments, telling news.com.au that the rules are clearly posted online when customers buy tickets.

Taylor added that the cinema’s policy of no outside food or drink is no different from that of other cinemas.

“As a local, family-owned business, we are sensitive to cost-of-living issues for Queenslanders, which is why we offer family-saver deals like four tickets for $49.”

“Various dietary requirements are catered for,” he added.

“Because everything is made fresh, our kitchen can prepare a wide variety of meals to suit most needs, including a range of gluten-free pizzas and Asian stir-fries and curries.

“We advise customers during the booking process about our outside food and drink policy as well as signage on arrival. If they do arrive with outside food or drink, we simply ask them to leave it at the box office counter where they can pick it up as they leave.”

Some happy customers defended the cinema rules.

“Cinebar has great ticket pricing with reclining seats and offers a great experience for families. Eat before or after or pay more for a crappier, more crowded seat elsewhere if you don’t like the rules,” one person wrote.

“It is a bar and a restaurant, too, with a great menu. You don’t show up at a licensed restaurant with an Esky of food and beverages!” another said.