No more annoying rustling and perfect views of the screen when cinemas reopen

Cinemas are set to begin re-opening in the latest easing of the coronavirus lockdown in England – but film-goers will likely face a radically different experience to what they’re used to.

The Prime Minister is publishing the Government’s review of the two-metre social-distancing rule on Tuesday, with new proposals on relaxing the stringent restrictions due to take effect from July 4.  

But even as Britons are let back in to cinemas, a string of social distancing measures will likely make going to the pictures a quieter, hungrier and more time-consuming affair.  

Phil Clapp, chief executive of the UK Cinema Association, told Time Out film-goers could face a slew of changes – including no more pick and mix, one-way systems, perspex screens for staff and mandatory contactless payment.

Customers will be allowed to sit with their household or family members, but the space around the seats will be kept empty for social distancing- meaning auditoriums could have a maximum capacity of just one quarter their usual size. 

Three empty seats and a full empty row will divide each individual or household. 

Film fans may have to queue outside the cinema the same way shoppers have to queue outside supermarkets – and leaving theatres could become more of a hassle too. 

Because show times will be staggered to allow for a thorough clean after the film, and to help staff and customers avoid unnecessary contact, some areas could be made one-way.

‘You’ll probably see dedicated staff to monitor social distancing, especially around pinch points in the cinema,’ Mr Clapp said. 

Fire exits could also be made use of once the film finishes.  

There will be no airport-style temperature checks – and face masks for customers will not be mandatory.

‘All the advice from health experts is that it isn’t hugely beneficial, and it would also be taking that equipment away from people who do need it,’ Mr Clapp said. ‘Safety is paramount but we don’t want to over-medicalise the experience – it’s supposed to be relaxing.’

But antibacterial gel stations will be set up in cinema lobbies. 

Film-goers will be encouraged to buy tickets online – and contactless payment will be required at venues. 

Perspex screens will be set up for staff – who may also have to wear face masks. 

Food and drink will still be sold, but only those items that will be taken in the auditorium – meaning cafés and restaurants will stay closed for now.   

But, Mr Clapp says, ‘People digging their hands in [to pick ‘n’ mix containers] ain’t gonna happen’.

Some toilet cubicles, basins and urinals could be taken out of use to keep social distancing measures.