https://variety.com/2020/film/global/co ... 234599239/
U.K. exhibitors are presenting evidence to the government that would allow them to safely reopen doors by the end of June.
Phil Clapp, chief executive of the U.K. Cinema Association, tells Variety: “We’ve made representations to government on the safeguards which U.K. cinemas would look to have in place for audiences and staff alike upon re-opening, and have asked that consideration be given – with these in mind – to allow cinemas to open by end June.”
Clapp adds, however, that the exhibition sector will be “led by the government’s understanding of the risk presented by COVID-19 and respond accordingly.”
It is ultimately the government that will decide at what point cinemas can reopen as part of the easing of lockdown measures; however, the fact that cinema operators are confident enough to be targeting June over a July restart is significant.
All U.K. cinemas were shuttered the week of March 16 after Prime Minister Boris Johnson suggested the public “avoid” social venues — a directive that was followed a week later by official lockdown orders on March 23.
Sources tell Variety that a “constructive, active dialogue” is underway this week between industry bodies and the government’s Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, as Johnson is expected to announce plans around easing lockdown restrictions on Sunday.
