Regal Cinemas set to reopen. Here’s where other SLO County movie theaters stand
Regal Cinemas will soon reopen its movie theaters in Arroyo Grande and Santa Maria after a six-month hiatus due to COVID-19.
Regal’s parent company, Cineworld Group, announced it would reopen the theaters and a limited number of others next month, starting with “Godzilla vs. Kong” on April 2 and “Mortal Kombat” on April 16.
Regal locations have been closed since October amid COVID-19 precautions.
“We have long-awaited this moment when we can welcome audiences back to our Regal theatres and restore our essential role within the communities we serve,” said Mooky Greidinger, chief executive officer of Cineworld, in a news release. “With the health and safety of our customers, staff, and communities as our top priority, we continue to take all the necessary precautions and abide by our CinemaSafe guidelines to confidently provide a safe and comfortable experience.”
Greidinger added: “With capacity restrictions expanding to 50% or more across most U.S. states, we will be able to operate profitably in our biggest markets. We will also be monitoring developments closely in the U.K. and across Europe as we set to gradually reopen across the world in line with local government guidance.”
In SLO County, theaters that have reopened already include Park Cinemas in Paso Robles, Bay Theatre in Morro Bay and Galaxy Theatres in Atascadero.
San Luis Obispo’s Sunset Drive-In theater has been open since May after closing in March due to COVID-19.
Movie theaters that remain temporarily closed include the Palm Theatre, Fremont Theatre and Downtown Center 7 in San Luis Obispo; and Fair Oaks Theatre in Arroyo Grande. Fair Oaks is planning to reopen on March 31.
SLO County is in the red tier for public health status, meaning movie theaters may operate indoors only at 25% capacity or 100 people, whichever is fewer.
This story was originally published March 24, 2021 at 5:00 AM.
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