AMC Theatres fans are not happy about the theater chain’s lack of a mask policy. People discovered that the company was not going to enforce a mask requirement as they start to reopen on July 15th. There will still be cleaning procedures, hand sanitization stations, and contactless concessions. But, the absence of a mask policy is going to be a tough one to straddle. California announced today that all visitors in movie theaters and other public areas will have to abide by the mask policy, but other states are sure to have their own takes. 450 of the locations will open their doors, but it remains unclear how much of a stress this will put on customers who opt to reenter theaters. Variety talked to AMC CEO Adam Aron about the coming weeks, and the executive spoke his mind.
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“We did not want to be drawn into a political controversy,” Aron explained. “We thought it might be counterproductive if we forced mask wearing on those people who believe strongly that it is not necessary. We think that the vast majority of AMC guests will be wearing masks. When I go to an AMC feature, I will certainly be wearing a mask and leading by example.”
We are delighted to announce that AMC will resume theatre operations beginning 7/15, rolling out in advance of @DisneysMulan and @TENETFilm. AMC will implement a comprehensive health and sanitation program: AMC Safe & Clean. Learn more: https://t.co/tkjT2I23TQ pic.twitter.com/0cWDLopGDH
โ AMC Theatres (@AMCTheatres) June 18, 2020
“We didn’t rush to reopen,” he mentioned. “There were some jurisdictions in some states, such as Georgia and Texas, that allowed people to reopen theaters in mid-May. We opted to remain closed, so we could give the country time to get a better handle on coronavirus. We wanted to use this time to figure out how best to open and how to do so safely.”
“In my heart of hearts, I think we can manage AMC through this crisis,” Aron continued. “There are no guarantees and nobody knows what coronavirus will look like in the winter or how long it will take to get a vaccine, but I can tell you that we have a very able management team here. We’re going to make every effort to make sure that AMC continues to be well positioned as a leader of the movie theater industry.”
Will you be going to the theater in the coming weeks? Let us know down in the comments! Check out some of the fan responses down below:
YIKES
How about you kick it off with the movie Outbreak so everyone can relive the movie theater scene? ๐คท๐ปโโ๏ธ pic.twitter.com/6KarMLGXn2
โ Bill Williams (@mrbill542) June 18, 2020
People want answers
They just ensured our family won’t be going back to AMC even when it is safe, and additionally are canceling our A-list subscription.
โ Not a Grave-Robber (@RobertBobGraves) June 19, 2020
What’s next, not requiring employees wash their hands after using the restroom because the CDC supports it, and they don’t want to take sides?
Making it plain
If youโre not requiring masks I wonโt be coming to your theaters.
โ Greg (@gwiss) June 18, 2020
Requests flying in
Can u require masks not just for employees but for customers as well. Mandate masks please.
โ ัดฤชฦฦฌโกลฤชฮ โก’รลฤชฦะ (@LILMONSTER52311) June 18, 2020
Reasonable
While I like the movie theater experience a ton, I’ll be waiting until you mandate mask wearing.
โ Bryant Durrell (@BryantD) June 18, 2020
Problems with the policy
I donโt see mask requirements on your โSafe & Cleanโ policy…no thanks.
โ Brad A. Hargis (@BradHargis) June 18, 2020
Lots of question
Circulated air in theaters. So, how would that not spread the virus?
โ Sfahey_imp (@Sfahey_imp) June 19, 2020
People want to be safe
I’m canceling my AMC A-list membership. Not requiring masks is so cowardly. We’ve been fine streaming movies at home safely. Anyone that’s been in a theater knows that there’s always that one with a cough.
โ Dรฉsirรฉe Rose (@irees) June 18, 2020
Risky proposition
We have been trying to decide if we are willing to risk going to movies again when theaters open, but if you wonโt be requiring masks then we will probably just keep watching at home on demand. Sitting in a room for 3 hours with strangers seems really dumb right now.
โ Chris (@stokith) June 18, 2020
Seeing a lot of this
Until masks are required, no one in my family will be allowed in an @AMCTheatres!
โ Amy J. Matheson (@AmyJMatheson) June 18, 2020
