The Yatala Drive-In will open this weekend with strict social distancing rules

COVID-19 restrictions will ease this weekend and the Yatala Drive-is one of the first businesses that will re-open but there’ll be some major changes to how many people can attend.

The Yatala Drive-In to re-open this Saturday. Picture: Adam Armstrong

PLANS are underway for the popular Yatala Drive-In to open this Saturday with strict social distancing measures in place to protect the community.

According to social media the drive-in will have a soft open starting on May 2 and 4. But don’t think it will be like the good old days of going to the drive-in.

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The post, which already has more than 1000 comments and 600 shares, states the screening will be a much different experience to what people are used to.

The drive-in’s co-owner Peter Sourris confirmed the facility would open this weekend even though the office phone message states the drive-in is temporarily closed until further notice. And on the website a disclaimer says “It’s not goodbye it’s see you soon”. But Mr Sourris said the business was definitely ready to let people in again under strict conditions.

The Yatala Drive-In is planning to open to the public on Saturday May 2.

“We closed at the end of March and we’ve had a lot of emails asking us to re-open and we are doing this with strict rules in place,” Mr Sourris said.

Fans of the facebook page have not been able to contain their excitement ahead of the opening with the post going viral in just 22 hours of it being posted.

“I’d LOVE to come down, but the QLD Government in their wisdom have said I can’t travel further than 50kms away from my home,” Rick McGrath wrote.

“Can we sit on camp chairs in front of our cars? Or do we have to stay inside our car?” Cathy Kenny said.

Some of the commentary on the Facebook post that has more than 1000 comments.

We are glad to offer our drive-in to the public again but we really hope everyone abides by the rules so we can open even more down the track.”

So what movies will be screening this weekend?

Mr Sourris said three movies would be on offer. Sonic The Hedgehog for families from 6.15pm; The Invisible Man from 6.45pm for adults followed by Bloodshot at 7.15pm.

Only online tickets are available with a barcode scanner verification at the ticket office in order to have a contactless entrance procedure.

Gates open at 5.30pm for the first session and the playground will be closed. There is no word yet on what movie will be screened but because there will only be one it is hoped the need to use the restrooms will be greatly reduced.

“Double features will return after it is no longer necessary to enforce social distancing,” the post said.

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The restrooms will be available for emergency use only, with one person allowed inside each rest room, unless it is an adult with a young child. According to the post the restrooms will be sanitised after each use.

“We will be limiting parking capacity to 50 per cent or less in order to provide social distancing. Guests will be required to remain inside their vehicles at all times during their visit to the drive-in, with the exception of trips to use the restrooms.”

The snack bar will not be fully operation until it is deemed safe and the candy bar will be limited to 10 people at a time.

The Yatala Drive-In will re-open with strict social distancing rules. Picture: Adam Armstrong.

“We ask that one member only from each family visit the candy bar,” the management said.

Hand sanitiser stations will be available at each entrance area inside the building.

People are also being asked to bring their own garbage bags and take rubbish home.

“Do not travel more than 50km from your home to visit us.”

“Until then, stay healthy, and stay safe. Thank you for supporting the drive-in and please let us know what you want to see next weekend,” the post said.

All guests are required to purchase tickets via www.fivestarcinemas.com.au