Theaters selling concessions inside are also required to ensure adequate ventilation, with a recommended three to six air changes per hour.īut even though the Sisters Movie House has been closed for almost one year, Kaza is not reopening yet. The updated guidance requires moviegoers to put their masks back on during pauses in eating or drinking. So, Oregon’s decision to allow concessions in all but “extreme risk” counties is big for cinema owners. Roughly half the cost of each ticket goes back to movie distributors - and even more if a film is a blockbuster. That’s because theaters pocket far more of the money spent on popcorn and drinks than on movie tickets. The state’s ban on eating and drinking inside theaters, regardless of county risk level, was one financial obstacle. But other theaters have pumped the brakes, still concerned about the spread of COVID-19, or about the economic viability of opening now, or both. Some movie houses, such as Portland’s Living Room Theaters, have already opened their doors or soon plan to. That allows most of Oregon’s movie theaters to reopen, with limits - the smaller of 25% occupancy or 50 people in “high risk” counties, and 50% occupancy or 100 people in “moderate risk” counties. “It’s the concessions that really allow us to be an operating, profitable business,” he said.Īs the risk of getting COVID-19 decreased around the state in February, 20 counties shed their “extreme risk” designations. The change brought him one step closer to reopening his four-screen theater in Central Oregon, the Sisters Movie House. The 'Coming to America' sequel debuts Friday, but it will not be in theaters.Īnd while Disney's Raya and the Last Dragon - from abc7ny's parent company - IS showing in theaters, you can also stream it at home if you prefer.When Drew Kaza heard recently that Oregon had reversed its ban on eating and drinking inside movie theaters, he rejoiced.

Making thing worse for theaters is the fact that so many studios are releasing films direct to streaming. It's, 'How much are we going to lose?' Tons? Half? Or do we close and not lose as much?' 'My other theatres have 100 seats, which means I'll only be able to do 25.

'My biggest screen has over 220 seats, which means I can put 50 people,' he said. And small, independent theaters are not fairing much better.Īndrew Elgart, owner of the Cobble Hill Cinemas in Brooklyn, said 25% capacity is not going to pay the bills. There's nothing like coming to the movies with your family, your kids and the smell of popcorn and stuff.'ĪMC, the nation's largest movie theater chain, almost went bankrupt last year. It doesn't matter if there's streaming services. 'We have to try and get back to normal somehow,' he said. Your response could be featured in a future story

Are any movie theaters open