In contrast to AMC Theatres, Alamo Drafthouse will require the use of masks

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Update: Just moments ago, AMC Theatres announced that they will now require face-masks at all of their locations. "At AMC Theatres, we think it is absolutely crucial that we listen to our guests," reads the statement. "Accordingly, and with the full support of our scientific advisors, we are reversing course and are changing our guest mask policy. As we reopen theatres, we now will require that all AMC guests nationwide wear masks as they enter and enjoy movies at our theatres. The speed with which AMC moved to revise our mask policies is a reflection of our commitment to the safety and health of our guests." You can read the full statement at the bottom of this article.

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As Cinemark, Regal Cinemas, and AMC Theatres begin the process of cautiously reopening, there's the question of just what sort of safety measures will be put in place. In addition to the obvious cleaning measures, one aspect which seems to be generating its share of controversy is the use of masks.

AMC Theatre CEO Adam Aron revealed that the chain will not require the use of masks, as they didn't "want to be drawn into a political controversy," adding, "We thought it might be counterproductive if we forced mask wearing on those people who believe strongly that it is not necessary. We think that the vast majority of AMC guests will be wearing masks. When I go to an AMC feature, I will certainly be wearing a mask and leading by example." In response, Alamo Drafthouse has issued their own statement on Twitter, saying that masks will be required as the issue is not political. "When we open, the safety of our teammates and guests cannot be compromised. This is not political," reads Alamo's statement. "We will require that guests wear masks at the theater (except when eating and drinking). Those without masks will be given one."

Not to single out AMC Theatres, but suggesting that patrons wear a mask rather requiring it also seems to be the plan for Cinemark and Regal Cinemas as well, but Aron's "political" statements have touched many the wrong way. That said, in states where the wearing of masks is mandatory, theaters will be enforcing it. Even with safety measures in place, I wonder just how many people will actually be heading out to the theaters, even for Christopher Nolan's TENET.

Here's AMC's full statement:

At AMC, we have been consulting with top scientists and health experts to create a broad, sweeping, far-reaching health and safety effort to make AMC Theatres safe for our guests and associates when our theatres reopen in July. Among many elements of that comprehensive plan was a requirement for our associates all to wear masks nationwide, as well as a requirement for our guests all to wear masks in the many parts of the country that will require it. In those areas of the country where masks will not be required, we nonetheless planned to strongly encourage mask usage by guests, and fully expected that the vast majority would do so. That policy on guest mask usage, which is directly comparable with our major competitors and many other highly regarded retailers, was announced yesterday afternoon.

This announcement prompted an intense and immediate outcry from our customers, and it is clear from this response that we did not go far enough on the usage of masks. At AMC Theatres, we think it is absolutely crucial that we listen to our guests. Accordingly, and with the full support of our scientific advisors, we are reversing course and are changing our guest mask policy. As we reopen theatres, we now will require that all AMC guests nationwide wear masks as they enter and enjoy movies at our theatres. The speed with which AMC moved to revise our mask policies is a reflection of our commitment to the safety and health of our guests.

We will constantly monitor the scientific community’s latest thinking as to the efficacy of mask usage. We also will be looking at the varying health conditions in specific localities around our theatres all across the country. This will help us to determine what our mask policy will be as we go forward, as well as to make any other needed changes to this policy. Guests coming to our theatres may bring their own masks of course, but for those who do not have one, masks will be available at our theatre box offices at a nominal $1.00 price. Those who are unwilling to wear a mask will not be admitted or allowed to stay.