Giftland Mall, MovieTowne to keep theatres closed

…say venture unprofitable with food, beverages sale restrictions

With Government now allowing the opening of theatres, which must accommodate only vaccinated persons, the Giftland Mall has said that it will keep its Caribbean Cinemas closed owing to the current restriction to sell food.
The measures, which will take effect from today and will end on August 31, 2021, gives cinemas the greenlight to operate but only at 40 per cent capacity of the building or seating area. Patrons will only be allowed entry upon possession of a vaccination card to show their immunisation status.
“The operator of the casino, betting shop or cinema shall ensure that only vaccinated patrons are at their place of business and those patrons have in their possession an official identification document and their vaccination card, which they shall produce when requested to do so by the operator or any person authorised by the Minister of Health,” a new gazette document stated.
However, on Saturday, Giftland said patrons have been enquiring about a possible reopening. But opening its doors at the Turkeyen, East Coast Demerara location without the option of offering beverage and snacks is a setback.
Moreover, the management has called on authorities to consider the provision to allow for movie snacks after examining the possible risks and conditions.
“Caribbean Cinemas urges the Government to reconsider this position, as eating in cinemas with appropriate social distancing and facing away from one another poses far less health risk than common dining…The decision to not allow food which is a necessity for a cinematic experience is regrettable and we are kindly requesting a review of this position by the authorities,” the mall’s management said in a release to the media.

Movietowne
Meanwhile, also on Saturday, MovieTowne via social media, posted a notice saying that it too cannot re-open its theater since it will be unprofitable considering the health ministry’s restrictions on the sale of food and beverages.
It stated that it is commendable that after 16 months of closure the Government via the Covid-19 Taskforce has granted permission to reopen but it is not viable if food and beverages are not being sold.
“Concession offerings for moviegoers are part of the cinematic experience, which are similar to in-house dining at restaurants and bars…without implemented checkerboard seating and increased sanitisation protocols, persons are adequately socially distanced to enjoy their favourite movie snack,” MovieTowne posted on social media.

Since the first COVID-19 case was detected back in March 2020, businesses have been impacted significantly.
President Irfaan Ali had informed less than two weeks ago that that the cinema industry had been clamouring to be reopened, prompting Government’s consideration.
While acknowledging that persons have democratic rights, he also reminded that they also have a social responsibility. The President said responsible persons who took the vaccine to protect themselves and their families cannot be put at risk by an irresponsible few who chose not to get immunised.
“We have to find the balance… So, whatever measure we put in place has to bring balance to the equation, so that the responsible act [persons have] made by taking the vaccine is not subjected to [someone else’s] irresponsibility,” he asserted.
National COVID-19 measures have also stipulated now that operators of public transportation must be completely immunised against the novel coronavirus, as a requirement to transport passengers in the country. Additionally, persons will only be allowed to dine in restaurants after presenting their COVID-19 immunisation card. (G12)