Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Film fans criticise cinema guidelines for reopening: 'This is not encouraging'

‘Never in a million years going to a cinema with these guidelines,’ one person wrote

Jacob Stolworthy
Thursday 25 June 2020 05:30 EDT
Comments
Tenet trailer

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Guidelines for the reopening of cinemas have been met with a lukewarm response from concerned film fans.

Chains around the country are set to reopen on 4 July almost three months after closing down due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The rules, which were compiled by the UK Cinema Association following consultations with the Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS), state that social distancing measures will see one-way traffic system put in place.

However, face masks will be neither “expected nor encouraged” and popcorn will still be served. Find the full guidelines here.

The reactions to these rules, which have been endorsed by the government, suggest that people are not satisfied the measures will reduce the risk of catching coronavirus.

“This is not encouraging,” popular podcast The Cinemile wrote on Twitter.

“Seeing as people don’t stick to guidelines outside I’m worried what people will do in a cinema,” another user wrote.

One worried film fan added: “These ‘safety guidelines’ are putting people at risk simply for the purpose of profiting from the summer blockbuster season.

“I’m desperate to go back to a cinema, but this fills me with absolutely no confidence.”

"Never in a million years going to a cinema with these guidelines," another concluded.

The first films to be released when cinemas reopen in July include Disney’s live-action remake of Mulan and Christopher Nolan’s Tenet.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in