Regal Cinemas announced plans this week to reopen theaters nationwide at 50% capacity on Aug. 21. Guests will also be required to wear face masks in lobbies, hallways and restrooms, but they can remove them inside auditoriums while eating and drinking.
The company operates one location in Wilder, Kentucky and at the Deerfield Town Center in Mason, Ohio.
The plan also includes “safety measures based on feedback received from employees and moviegoers they have deemed most important for their return,” the company said.
Regal will space moviegoers out two seats apart. In lobbies, wall-mounted hand sanitizer dispensers will be available near the main entrance, and locations with diners, restaurants and in-theater ordering will have those services temporarily suspended. Refills on large drinks and popcorn will also be suspended, and vending machines and water fountains will not be available.
Regal will also provide new contactless payment options and innovative sanitizing methods including ULV “foggers,” new electrostatic deep sanitization with a fast-drying non-toxic formula.
Regal employees will be required to wear masks and undergo daily health screenings including temperature checks.
Read more about Regal's opening plans here.
AMC, which runs theaters in Newport, Anderson, West Chester and Hamilton, announced it will push back reopening at 30% capacity to an unspecified date in mid-August.
