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Cineworld delays reopening UK cinemas to 31 July | Cineworld delays reopening UK cinemas to 31 July |
(about 1 hour later) | |
Cineworld has pushed back the reopening of its UK and US cinemas to 31 July, blaming a delay in new film releases. | Cineworld has pushed back the reopening of its UK and US cinemas to 31 July, blaming a delay in new film releases. |
The world's second-largest cinema chain had previously announced cinemas in both countries would open on 10 July. | The world's second-largest cinema chain had previously announced cinemas in both countries would open on 10 July. |
Cineworld said films including Mulan and Tenet had been delayed from July to August. | Cineworld said films including Mulan and Tenet had been delayed from July to August. |
The company said cinemas would open with new safety measures in place, but some staff say the measures do not go far enough. | |
A petition signed by almost 1,500 people and started by Cineworld staff has called for masks to be made mandatory for customers in cinema foyers. | |
A leader of the Cineworld Action Group, who spoke to the BBC but did not want to give their name, said: "Some studies have shown that masks do help to protect. We don't have a choice about returning to work. If it makes it safer for us and for other customers, I think it's a small ask. | |
"It's a luxury to come to the cinema but our lives shouldn't be treated as a luxury, it's important." | |
The BBC has asked Cineworld to comment on the staff demands. | |
The cinema chain says new safety measures will include contactless payments and seating capacity limits in line with local regulations. | |
Advice for all cinemas from the film trade body, the UK Cinema Association, advises cinema companies to sell a reduced number of tickets to each screening, with people from different households sitting apart. | |
The association also says pick 'n' mix stands should be removed, and moviegoers should be encouraged to pre-order popcorn. | |
Earlier this year, the coronavirus pandemic forced Cineworld to close its 787 cinemas in 10 countries, while company bosses waived their salaries and bonuses. | Earlier this year, the coronavirus pandemic forced Cineworld to close its 787 cinemas in 10 countries, while company bosses waived their salaries and bonuses. |
The UK-based firm also halted dividend payments to mitigate the impact on trading. | The UK-based firm also halted dividend payments to mitigate the impact on trading. |
Cineworld chief executive Mooky Greidinger said other films that will be released this summer include A Quiet Place Part II, The Broken Hearts Gallery, Bill & Ted Face the Music and Antebellum, as well as a re-release of Christopher Nolan's Inception on Imax. |