UK Cinemas Plan To Reopen July

Staggered screenings and isolating families through online booking systems are part of cinema group Vue’s plans to start reopening in the UK as soon as possible.

The government has said cinemas, which have been closed since mid-March, could reopen from 4 July – depending on how the UK’s plan to drive down new infections progresses.

The UK Cinema Association has welcomed the proposed reopenings, but recognises it remains dependent on a “host of public health considerations”.

“We remain in discussion with the government on the exact nature of the safeguards that will be required, some of which have been touched upon by Vue in their response, but all of which will be observed by the entire cinema sector to offer every reassurance to audiences and staff around their continued safety,” said chief executive Phil Clapp.

Last week, Cambridge University virologist Dr Chris Smith questioned the validity of reopening entertainment venues, from both a medical and economic standpoint, until a vaccine emerges.