Last month when it was announced that cinema halls and multiplexes shall be allowed to reopen in Maharashtra from October 22, it was a huge sigh of relief for everyone associated with the industry, including exhibitors and trade. However, since the time this announcement was made, there was nothing further that took place concerning it, which made the industry go restless again, as producers had already announced the release dates. Several theatre owners had made it clear that they will wait for the SOP’s and then shall decide on the further course of action. Their wait is over now as the Government has finally released the SOP’s.
As was expected, the SOP’s enlist points such as wearing masks, social distancing, using sanitizers inside theatres, and practicing social distancing. Furthermore, those who are fully vaccinated will have to show their certificate. However, it doesn’t mean that those not vaccinated or partially vaccinated will not be allowed inside the theatres. They will have to show the safe status on the Arogya Setu app. Notably, several malls are allowing only full vaccinated people inside their premises, however with this SOP for multiplexes, people will be allowed to enter the mall, but they will have to show their movie tickets.
As per the SOP’s, the staff of the cinema halls will have to check the temperature of the viewers. They have been asked to operate at 50% occupancy only, with timings of the show staggered so that there is no rush at any point in time. Food & Beverage will not be allowed inside the screening auditorium. Encouragement of contactless payments is a part of the SOP’s, and the theatre staff will not only have to be fully vaccinated but must also have completed 14 days after their second dose. As per a source, there is no clarity as yet if the theatres will be allowed to open at night.
