Monetta Drive In Theatre — Local services in Aiken County

Short Version: They refused to ban an insanely drunk man who was driving around during a movie after not noticing he ran over his cooler and chair.

Long Version: New to the area and love Drive-ins. Took my oldest daughter to one movie and my cousin took my youngest to another movie Saturday night. During our second movie, we noticed a man stumbling drunk. Barely able to make it to the bathroom and back. He then hopped in the driver seat I said something to a worker (who I later found out was the owner's son) and he went that direction to investigate (I think) and while walking up to the truck the man started his truck and proceeded to leave. He slowly ran over his full sized cooler/radio, and chair. He then started his way out through the parking spots. The worker shined his pen light at him and let out the most mild "hey stop". Knowing how drunk this man was, I ran down the aisle and placed myself in the headlights to get his attention. He stopped and I got him to shut off his truck and give me his keys. Employees called the police and while the police were on their way, they let him use their cell phone to call for a ride home.

The sheriffs showed up and the employee downplayed the entire situation and I had to interject to let the deputy know how insanely drunk the man was, and that he was throwing evidence in the bushes while they were on their way.

Being on private property the deputies didn't have a lot of options and as his wife was already on her way, they decided to let her take him and get home safe.

When asked if they wanted him trespassed, the employee and the owner were very unsure and said no. Why did they say no? Because the man was a regular and has been going there for many years.

So, being as the owner/management is more concerned with losing a long time customer who was driving drunk and running over things, than with customers and the children walking around and sitting out in the grass. I will never set foot there again, and neither will my children. Not to mention, after telling the owner's son this, his response of "Eh, alright" while shrugging, really...

So I went to the Monetta Drive In Theatre yesterday evening with my family we selected a pg13 movie which was a little more gruesome then what one would attest to being pg13. Us having the kids we decided to leave 20 minutes into screening including advertisements and requested a refund or even a partial refund for the $40 we spent not to mention the $35 we spent on concessions items for the movie. The so called owner at the entrance way told my spouse had we would of left 10 minutes into screen time he would've refunded but refused us because of it being a few more minutes past that. I went to talk to him I pleaded with him and asked for even just $10 back just anything in good faith and he refused saying he would have to take it out of his own pocket because we've already been admitted and they have rules to their providers of the movies (or whatever). Interesting that he mentioned he would've refunded but then told me a different story all together.

This being said I would recommend/request that my fellow veterans and brother Masonic Lantern (masons) remember this as to considering buying a ticket to the "Big Mo".

I decided to have a family fun night on a Friday night and I selected a bad movie unknowingly so I admit fault but even a $10 gesture or a ticket or admittance to another movie would've been appreciated. Had it been any other theater such as AMC or Regal they wouldn't have even made a stink about it and returned the money on first request as they have done before.

I was very respectful and I didn't raise a fuss and instead asked him for mercy to which none was given. Again I understand this is what happens and I understand business doesn't make money by giving it away. The owner made money from the concessions alone not to mention the 40 from admittance.

I don't think the owner of the MO is appreciative of being honorable to a family or to his local patrons. So I again ask all of my vast group of brethern to consider this before you take your family to this establishment.

To the Big Mo I'd recommend for business practice you guys put atleast a sign out that...

We used to absolutely love this place! But I believe we've had our last Big Mo experience. Something no one would think of or expect, but I am obviously not the first person to have this problem, because there are several people just as upset out here in the same boat. We bought over $100 in food and paid $44 to get in. Set up chairs, blankets, table, food, etc. Set the radio station when movie is about to start (& it's too late to change things) & we realize with the push start vehicles we have no way to keep the radio on without leaving the vehicle running the entire time. Which you can't do because of exhaust. No radio apps on phones will work, cuz they aren't a public station so it can't find them. We missed the whole first movie trying to find a solution. I tried calling the number hoping they could offer a solution, but it was only automated. Several other vehicles around us were struggling with the same thing. They were cranking the vehicle back up repeatedly with headlights blinding us and engines roaring. At intermission we turn the vehicle around so someone can sit in the front & keep turning the radio back on every 10 minutes. But if you get it loud enough for the people outside to hear, the person in the car can't stand how loud it is. And not everyone can watch inside the truck, cuz those of us in the back can't see. So we gave up, packed up by phone flashlight, and left. This obviously isn't a new problem and we don't have some super new technology on our vehicle. Therefore they should have a warning on their website to let people know. This was a decision made to do instead of the traditional dinner for my mom's birthday and it was a total flop and huge waste of money. Extremely aggravated and disappointed to...