My understanding of emergency exits in theaters is that they aren't like the ones in stores or schools, where an alarm is attached to alert others to the emergency. They are simply multiple exits so that a few hundred people do not get bottle necked into one doorway or a hall when trying to leave in the event of an emergency.
Almost all theaters I have been in have had exits placed just past the auditorium that lead to the parking lot. Most people tend to park at the front of the theater, meaning the fastest way back to their car is to leave through the lobby. Some folks who arrive late or just want to avoid the cattle-like herd of people after the movie will park closer to the back and use a side exit, since leaving through the lobby isn't really required.
I can only think of 2 theaters I've been to where you have to leave through the lobby, since it was the only exit. Both are small, 3 screen theaters with other businesses built up around them.
Almost all theaters I have been in have had exits placed just past the auditorium that lead to the parking lot. Most people tend to park at the front of the theater, meaning the fastest way back to their car is to leave through the lobby. Some folks who arrive late or just want to avoid the cattle-like herd of people after the movie will park closer to the back and use a side exit, since leaving through the lobby isn't really required.
I can only think of 2 theaters I've been to where you have to leave through the lobby, since it was the only exit. Both are small, 3 screen theaters with other businesses built up around them.