AMC Theaters, which has 18 locations in Alabama, including a presence in nine of the state’s 10 most populous cities, says it will reopen theaters in July after being closed since mid-March due to the coronavirus pandemic.
According to the chain, its theaters will allow no more than 50% of seats to be filled and will put into place the strictest of sanitation guidelines.
The National Association of Theater Owners, an industry trade group, told CBS News that it expects almost all movie theaters in the United States to go ahead with a mid-July reopening. The chains Regal Cinemas and Cinemark, which both have locations in Alabama, have said they plan to be open by early July.
Alabama Governor Kay Ivey amended the State Health Order to allow theaters in the state to reopen on May 23, but most haven’t due to a lack of new releases from movie studios.
Currently, the most prominent movie on track for release is “Tenet,” which is scheduled for release on July 17. “Tenet” is a new original film from director Christopher Nolan, who has made smash hits like “The Dark Knight,” “Inception” and “Dunkirk.”
Health officials are still wary of extended indoor gatherings of any size due to high rates of transmission in those settings.
Theaters have declined to commit to requiring mask usage among customers, which industry experts say is because it would cut down on purchases of popcorn, candy and soft drinks where theaters make most of their profits.
“After a period of time where billions of people have endured confinement and limited social interaction, we believe that there will be a significant pent-up demand to get back out in the world,” AMC CEO Adam Aron told investors on a recent call.
A recent survey from a film industry group found that 40% of moviegoers were likely to return to theaters while 36% described themselves as unlikely to return until the coronavirus was eliminated.
When asked if they would return if proper safety and sanitation methods were installed, the number saying yes rose from 40% to 75%.
Henry Thornton is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can contact him by email: [email protected] or on Twitter @HenryThornton95
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