Vue announces 'automatic social distancing' plans for reopening of its cinemas

One of the country's the UK's biggest cinema chains has announced plans to enforce “automatic social distancing” ahead of a potential nationwide reopening in July.

Vue said there are talks ongoing with governments across Europe to plan for a safe return to screenings, following closures enforced by the Covid-19 crisis.

A spokesperson for Vue said: “We have been liaising closely with authorities across Europe to design operating procedures that can provide the degree of social distancing required and allow an experience for our customers and staff that is as safe as possible.

The chain, which has 91 cinemas in the UK and Ireland, said procedures include allowing families to isolate their seats from others via the online booking system, staggering screening times to reduce congestion, and introducing “enhanced cleaning and employee protection protocols.”

Vue hope to reopen cinemas in July.

A spokesperson for Vue said in a statement: “We have been liaising closely with authorities across Europe to design operating procedures that can provide the degree of social distancing required and allow an experience for our customers and staff that is as safe as possible.

“We look forward to working further with the government and the UK Cinema Association in the coming days to demonstrate the specific steps we will take in the UK, including physically isolating family groups through our online booking systems, staggering film times to maintain social distancing and operate responsibly, and introducing enhanced cleaning and employee-protection protocols.”

The news comes after Tim Richards, founder and boss of Vue, said last week (May 5) he was “hopeful” cinemas would reopen in time for the release of Christopher Nolan’s Tenet on July 17.

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