Is that safe? Cinemark won’t require face masks when they reopen

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

Cinemark revealed yesterday that they have a multi-phased plan in place to begin reopening their shuttered theaters beginning June 19. CEO Mark Zoradi pointed to all the safety protocols that will be in place for staff and their chains when they reopen but, despite the official recommendation to do so from the CDC, Cinemark will not require patrons to wear face masks.

During a call with Wall Street analysts and reported via "Deadline", one of the highlights of the call was the remark that Cinemark employees will be required to wear masks, but moviegoers will not be mandated to do so which leaves the ultimate choice up to ticket buyers:

"We have been intensely focused on developing enhanced health and safety protocols, understanding that these factors will weigh heavily on the confidence and peace and mind of our employees, guests, and community as we reopen our theaters. We will be requiring all employees to wear face masks and encouraging guests to do the same."

When asked about guests being encouraged to wear masks, a Cinemark said "will be encouraging – not requiring – guests to wear face masks outside of the areas where it is required by local mandates." This feels very similar to what certain restaurants have done since they were allowed to reopen their doors. I went to a restaurant for the first time in months on Sunday with a group of five us arriving for outdoor seating. We had to wear the mask as we walked in but we could take them off at our own table. You were required to put the mask on if you went anywhere outside of your table like the bathroom or if you ordered a drink from the bar. Movie theaters may be a bit of a different beast considering seating is usually in closer proximity with strangers but Cinemark will be addressing that concern as well.

Cinemark plans to implement "seat buffering technology" to ensure patrons are distanced physically from others as much as possible. It's not clear if the space between ticket buyers will be the same six feet social distancing recommendation that the CDC has also suggested. Employees of their chains will also be expected to increase cleaning and sanitation measures and they will also minimize physical interactions at the box office and concession stands with installed plexiglass screens. Cinemark also says they will be providing hand and seat sanitizer for all guests, screening employees before each shift, and spreading out showtimes to create smaller crowds for each individual screening.

I think a lot of this will come down to your own personal comfort level. I know a mix of people who think a mask is too much while others will only feel safe if everyone is wearing one. Reopening movie theaters, along with many other businesses, is going to be a mix of trial and error but at least Cinemark is making moves with a plan in place. It will be interesting to see if the other large scale theater chains will follow their lead.

Would YOU feel safe going to Cinemark if guests weren't required to wear masks? What do YOU think about their other safety measures? Is it enough?