Cinemas bring in changes to cope with COVID-19

New rules on public gatherings will impact local cinemas but the industry has some novel ideas on how to keep the movie-magic alive.

Going to the movies is changing as new COVID-19 measures come into place. Photo. istock

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A Brisbane cinema has launched its own COVID-19 novel plan opening its doors to private screenings for a price.

Five Star Cinemas, which operates cinemas in New Farm, Red Hill and the CBD, contacted members and subscribers yesterday to say it was offering “book a private screening in our premium cinema for $250”.

The News contacted owner Peter Sourris who said he was not commenting on COVID-19 but confirmed the cinema was offering the private screening deal.

Five Star Cinemas are offering private cinema viewing to deal with COVID-19. AAP image, John Gass.

The email out says “if you’re worried about social distancing we have you covered. Now you can hire out an entire premium cinema for just $250 so you can enjoy big-screen entertainment with just your family & friends”.

“Simply pick a film, date & time and contact” to book.

The email also advises the cinemas are implementing “more thorough hygiene standards and are being extra vigilant in ensuring bathrooms are adequately stocks with hand soap and power/tower/dryers”.

A Hoyts cinemas spokesman said guest safety was the “key priority”.

“To ensure HOYTS is operating in line with the latest advice from the Australian government, we have placed a limit on the number of bookings that can be made through our systems,” the spokesman said.

“We have blocked out any additional seats to ensure that there will never be more than 100 people per auditorium, and also so that guests will have appropriate spacing between them and the next person.”

“We have implemented this immediately for bookings made at the counter, and revised seating maps reflecting these are live for movie sessions screening from tomorrow (19 March 2020).”

The spokesman said Hoyts had also introduced a range of other measures to help ensure the safety of guests and team members.

“These include a virus cleaning agent which is being used at high touchpoint areas and surfaces, reminders in all toilets to hand wash, regular seat cleaning between sessions and ongoing communication with our site managers to regularly remind our staff of the importance of maintaining good hygiene practices,” the spokesman said.

The News also contacted Event Cinemas and Dendy cinemas for comment.