While Caribbean Cinemas has signaled its intent to reopen its theatres at the Giftland Mall, it remains hopeful that government will reevaluate its decision to restrict the sale of food and beverages.
George Borges, Director of Operations and Concessions Over-seas for Caribbean Cinemas, told Stabroek News during an interview that the company will be taking all the necessary precautions needed, as he made mention of the protocols in place at the various cinemas across the Caribbean.
He explained that since the permission was given to reopen the cinemas in the various countries across the Caribbean, the company has not received any complaints in relation to safety protocols.
Last week, Caribbean Cinemas had announced its plan to reopen at the Giftland Mall on August 19 and asked in advance that customers be compliant with the COVID-19 regulations stipulated by the Ministry of Public Health. Additionally MovieTowne and Princess Theatres also announced their reopening.
Borges said the reopening with the limitation of only projecting movies is a new step the company is testing, as he noted that there is more to cinema life than just watching movies.
He was confident that once the authorities witness the strict protocols and the ambiance of the cinema, they may see the need for the reopening of the concessions.
Borges explained that the decision to reopen, after the pre-vious announcement that it would not due to the restriction on con-cessions, came after a long evaluation. Noting that the cinemas were closed for over a year, he said that customers continued to reach out and ask for the company to reopen.
He explained that it was a difficult decision to take, especially since persons are used to the snacks during their movie experiences, which will now be absent. He also questioned the restriction at theatres as he highlighted that food courts are opened at casinos, and restaurants where meals are being produced in a larger quantities are operating.
He said the cinemas will be reopen with only 40% of the capa-city per theatre, and only vaccinated patrons who have their vaccination cards and identification cards. However, patrons under 18 and pregnant and breast feeding mothers would be allowed entry without vaccination cards.
Meanwhile, the Caribbean Cinemas will be focusing on its operations at the Giftland Mall for the reopening as its theatres at the recently opened Amazonia Mall, at Providence, are yet to be commissioned.
