There’s a yellow chain that blocks the entrance to the Mahoning Drive-In Theater in Mahoning Township, but it’s really red tape that keep patrons from entering, according to the owner.

Joe Farruggio, who has operated the drive-in for the past 20 years, feels he needs expansion to survive financially here. However, he has been unable to get any expansion plans approved.

This would be the 50th year the theater is in business, but an appropriate film last year might have been “The Last Picture Show” because there’s no assurance from Farruggio the theater will ever open again because the Mahoning Township supervisors won’t allow a new screen unless the Federal Aviation Administration gives its consent.