Multiplex operator disputes discrimination charge

From: The Spectator Newspapers, NJ - Sep 16, 2004

The Associated Press 9/16/2004, 8:06 p.m. ET

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — A multiplex cinema operator being sued by the state over accommodations for hearing-impaired moviegoers said Thursday the lawsuit "lacks merit and will be aggressively defended."

Regal Entertainment Group, based in Knoxville, Tenn., issued a statement on Thursday, a day after New Jersey State Attorney General Peter C. Harvey announced the suit had been filed in state Superior Court under New Jersey's anti-discrimination laws.

"For years Regal has shown open-captioned films in New Jersey and recently began showing them at every facility Regal operates in the state," the statement read.

Harvey had acknowledged that Regal did offer some captioning at its 12 multiplexes, but said the scheduling was too limited.

He also announced on Wednesday that four other multiplex operators in New Jersey had agreed to offer captioning in at least one theater at each of its multiplexes at all times, including on weekends.

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