On Tuesday, COVID-19 related guidelines for how indoor cinemas are to operate were issued, including the use of masks by all patrons and staff, including during the screening of films.

Bars within cinemas will still be allowed to serve food and drink, while reusable 3D glasses are no longer permitted.

In addition, groups of up to six can be seated close together inside cinemas, with the exception of families with children and people from the same household.

As CEO of Eden Leisure Group, which owns and operates Eden Cinemas in St Julian’s, WhosWho.mt turned to Simon De Cesare for an initial reaction.

In general, he said that “most [measures] are straight forward and we had already planned to implement them, while some others are more complicated, and we are looking for clarification on the matter.”

While it is mandatory for all patrons to wear masks while in the cinemas and during movie screenings, questions arise as to why cinemas have been allowed to serve food and beverages, as this would require the removal of masks.

“The point you mention regarding the masks in theatre is also not clear. While I would agree to mask-wearing until you get to your seat, I don’t see the need to make wearing it compulsory while you are in your seat if, you have been socially distant.

“Similarly, you don’t need to wear a mask in a restaurant or bar when you get there so this measure requires some clarification,” he remarked.

News that masks would have to be worn onboard aircraft, Air Malta had clarified that masks can be removed while eating and drinking, which could be the outcome for cinemas – unless authorities decide to remove the need altogether once patrons reach their seat.

“So, we are looking at if we can implement all the requirements and looking to source film content in order to getting back to normal,” he said.

Asked to comment on issues of sustainability in view of heightened sanitisation requirements, limits on seat capacity and social distancing requirements all contribute to increased costs and decreased revenues, Mr De Cesare said:

“I can only hope that the restrictions will be relaxed further in due course since working on 25 per cent seat occupancy is not sustainable in the long run.”