California may have given the green light to movie theaters to reopen amid the coronavirus pandemic, but several — including the major chains — have not reopened.
What’s going on:
- Movie theater chains like AMC, Regal, Cinemark, Alamo Drafthouse and others decided to stay close on Friday despite California allowing theaters to reopen under certain restrictions.
- Earlier this month, California released a new industry guidance document that said movie theaters can open starting June 12 with 25% capacity or no more than 100 people inside.
- Theaters must also limit of customers, block off seats, require face masks when entering and exiting the theater, leave doors open for peak periods of traffic and install bathroom time limits, as I reported for the Deseret News.
Reasons they’re staying closed:
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According to Deadline, there are four major reasons why movie theaters won’t reopen yet, a move that’s similar to other states.
- Reason 1: “Some of the prime reasons to remain shuttered include lack of marquee fare,” according to Deadline. “Tenet” has been tapped as one of the first major blockbuster films.
- Reason 2: “Movie theaters also need time to prep — i.e., restock concessions and bulk up on safety supplies like face masks, seat covers, anti-bacterial lotions and wipes. A late-June/early-July start for many is still in the cards.”
- Reason 3: “Many theaters have paused their leases with landlords.”
- Reason 4: “While a 30%-50% capacity auditorium level is doable financially for most theater owners, a 25% cap is stretching it for some.”