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Published: 2012-10-19 23:33:00
Updated: 2012-10-20 07:00:22

Posted: October 19, 2012
Updated: October 20, 2012

Businesses get bold to protect parking spaces during State Fair

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Raleigh, N.C. — Carmike Blue Ridge Cinemas in Raleigh is taking bold steps to keep North Carolina State Fairgoers from parking in spots reserved for its customers.

It's having tow trucks haul away vehicles of drivers who aren't there to see a movie.

A spokesperson for the theater, on Blue Ridge Road, about a mile from the fairgrounds says fairgoers regularly take spots meant for paying customers.

But some moviegoers say they are also being towed.

Keith Jones said he parked in the lot also, but that he did go to see a movie.

"We came into the move theater, we paid for our ticket and went to go see 'Ted.' We came out, and our car was towed," he said.

Jones says the car was returned back to him.

A spokesperson for the theater says customer service is important to them and that anyone with parking concerns can speak to a manager for help.

Copyright 2012 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

11 Comments


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I used to work there and it was a nightmare during State Fair time. People would buy a ticket and then immediately walk to the fair since it was only $1.50. What's funny is that the tow truck drivers were stationed on the roof watching people. They would then tow their car down to K-mart next door and charge the people 100$ buck to get their car back that was in walking distance. They made a killing.
Click to view my profile Kriterian
October 25, 2012 9:56 a.m.
The moviegoer has a legitimate beef. These people who tried to get free parking where they shouldn't have expected it nd when there was tons of free parking at Carter-Finley get no sympathy.
Click to view my profile samr
October 22, 2012 5:32 p.m.
I would think that if they towed the vehicle of a paying customer that they could, and should, be charged with grand theft auto.
Paul Parker
October 22, 2012 4:00 p.m.
"Jones says the car was returned back to him."

"Returned back?" Isn't that redundant?

They should have an extra ticket stub to place under the front window.
Click to view my profile davidgnews
October 22, 2012 3:00 p.m.
I parked at Carter Finley stadium and walked right across the road to the fair. Free Parking. And there was lots more at other free lots at the PNC arena, and Blue Ridge Road. Problem solved.
trungeto322
October 22, 2012 2:05 p.m.
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