CLEVELAND — Regal announced earlier this month that its movie theaters would begin reopening across the country starting July 10.
That plan, however, has changed.
The company is now delaying the reopening of its theaters by three weeks until July 31 "in line with the recent adjustments to upcoming movie release schedules."
Moviegoers can expect multiple coronavirus safety protocols in place during their next visit to a Regal theater. The company said they have established new contactless payment options for tickets and concession items. ULV foggers will also be used to sanitize every auditorium after each movie.
“This form of deep sanitization is highly effective in disinfecting all materials with a non-toxic formula that is fast drying,” Regal officials said on their site.
Regal also listed the following changes that will impact guests at their theaters when they start welcoming guests again:
THE LOBBY
- Guests will be required to wear face masks in the lobby, hallways and restrooms and can remove them inside the auditorium while eating and drinking.
- Greeters will be located in the lobby to assist guests with new procedural changes.
- Guests will be encouraged to proceed to their auditorium as soon as possible, and exit the theater in a timely manner at the conclusion of their movie.
- Wall mounted sanitizer dispensers will be available on either side of the main entrance.
- Vending machines and water fountains will not be available for use.
- Where required by local governance, arcade games will be closed.
THE CONCESSION STAND
- Every other register will be closed to maintain social distancing.
- A reduced menu offering will be temporarily available.
- Self-service condiment stands will be closed.
- Refills on large drinks and popcorn will be suspended.
- Locations featuring diners, restaurants and in-theater ordering will have these services temporarily suspended.
- Locations with bars will remain open for walk-up service only.
THE AUDITORIUM
- Where required by state or county mandate, auditorium capacities will be reduced to 50%.
- Our reservation system will maintain two empty seats between groups (1 seat at recliner locations) to maintain proper social distancing throughout the movie.
- At theaters where performances are non-reserved, you will be requested to leave two seats between groups.
- Group sizes will only be limited where required by a state or county mandate.
EMPLOYEES
- Regal employees will undergo daily health screenings including temperature checks where mandated.
- Employees will be required to wash hands at minimum every 30 to 60 minutes, dependent on job role.
- All employees will be required to wear masks.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine had given movie theaters permission to reopen throughout the state starting June 10.
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