Movie theater chain Cinemark will “encourage” but not require its customers to wear face masks when they reopen their cinemas later this month despite the ongoing threat of the coronavirus pandemic.
Cinemark intends on reopening in four phases, starting June 19, with its theater employees required to wear face coverings.
During an analysts call this week, Cinemark CEO Mark Zoradi said: “We have been intensely focused on developing enhanced health and safety protocols, understanding that these factors will weigh heavily on the confidence and peace of mind of our employees, guests and community as we reopen our theaters.”
Zoradi added, “Of course it depends on a continuing positive movement, relative to the decline of COVID-19 and the government restrictions being reduced across the country.”
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TheWrap reports that Cinemark will implement social distancing at the box office and concessions stands, be vigorous in cleaning and allow for ticket buyers online to physically distance themselves from others when selecting seats.
Cinemark also promises to “supply hand and seat cleaners for guests, stagger movie times to reduce foot traffic and join other companies, like Amazon, in screening staff before their shifts,” according to FOX Business. “It will also run an initial maximum seating capacity of 50 percent with six feet between patrons.”
Why is Cinemark not requiring its costumers to wear face coverings when the CDC says the virus is spread when people do not wear masks or observe social distancing?
As Collider suggests, a big reason for Cinemark to not require patrons to don masks is concessions, which account for a huge portion of a theater’s revenue.
Exhibitors have to share half their ticket sales with the studios so they make most of their money off concessions. Thus, if moviegoers are wearing masks then they’re probably less likely to buy food and beverages.
Would you feel comfortable attending a theater that didn’t require face masks? Let us know in the comments.
Source: IGN.com Cinemark Customers Not Required to Wear Masks When Theaters Reopen