Alamo Drafthouse Cinema Begins Reopening in July

Dinner and a movie, anyone? Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is getting ready to reopen its doors in July. The chain has three locations in Colorado — Littleton, Sloan’s Lake and Westminster. Rather than opening all locations at once, it will be a slow roll out. (As of now, they have not announced the specific reopening date for each of its Denver-area theaters.)

As for the mask issue, the chain had previously announced that customers will be required to wear face masks. In addition, they will be checking the temperature of customers at many locations.  They will use contact-free infrared thermometers and anyone with a fever of 100.4 or higher will not be allowed to enter the theater. 

In addition, the chain, known for its strict no-talking policy, is making the following changes:

Distancing – All ticketing will be handled online, with at least two buffer seats between groups — providing at least six feet of physical distancing.

Masks For All – Customers will be required to wear a mask at all times, except when eating and drinking. If you need a mask, the theater will provide one at no cost.

Minimizing Interaction – In many theaters, food ordering and gratuity will be done in advance online, when you purchase tickets. As a result, there will be no payment processing at the theater. The new system will minimize the interaction between employees and customers.

Sanitization – Each auditorium, specifically chairs and tables, will be sanitized between screenings with an electrostatic fogger and disinfectant. Plus, there will be hand sanitizing wipes available at each table for customer use.

Temperature Check – All employees will have their temperatures taken prior to starting work. And, where needed, customers will also have their temperature taken on their way inside.

Health & Safety – Employees will wear masks and gloves at all times. In addition, employees will regularly change gloves and wash their hands at least every 30 minutes.

The reopening isn’t happening all at once. Th chain operates 41 locations, spanning 23 regions and ten states. Each area has been impacted by and is handling the situation differently. As a result, Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is closely monitoring the trends in each community. In cities or counties that have sustained a very low per capita rate of infection, some of the protocols may be relaxed, when the respective theater reopens.

However, they are not relying its security strategy solely to state and local regulations. Those are the base level, as they intend to stay vigilant, carefully monitor the data and escalate safety protocols at a moment’s notice (if necessary.)

The first step will be to open one or two locations in early July. Then, they expect to open a few more locations. The rest will open, once they feel fully prepared to safely welcome customers and that the risk in a specific area has declined.

The opening of locations will be announced via social media and e-mail notifications.