Film fans criticise cinema guidelines for reopening: 'This is not encouraging'

‘Never in a million years going to a cinema with these guidelines,’ one person wrote

Guidelines for the reopening of cinemas have been met with a lukewarm response from concerned film fans.

Chains around the country are set to reopen on 4 July almost three months after closing down due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The rules, which were compiled by the UK Cinema Association following consultations with the Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS), state that social distancing measures will see one-way traffic system put in place.

However, face masks will be neither “expected nor encouraged” and popcorn will still be served. Find the full guidelines here.

The reactions to these rules, which have been endorsed by the government, suggest that people are not satisfied the measures will reduce the risk of catching coronavirus.

“This is not encouraging,” popular podcast The Cinemile wrote on Twitter.

“Seeing as people don’t stick to guidelines outside I’m worried what people will do in a cinema,” another user wrote.

One worried film fan added: “These ‘safety guidelines’ are putting people at risk simply for the purpose of profiting from the summer blockbuster season.

“I’m desperate to go back to a cinema, but this fills me with absolutely no confidence.”

"Never in a million years going to a cinema with these guidelines," another concluded.

The first films to be released when cinemas reopen in July include Disney’s live-action remake of Mulan and Christopher Nolan’s Tenet.