Cineworld planning to reopen UK cinema screens in May

Cineworld has confirmed it plans to reopen cinema screens in the UK in May, “in line with current government guidance.”

Cineworld’s U.S. chain Regal will reopen next month after being forced to close due to the pandemic.

The chains 11 screen cinema on Broughton Retail Park ‘temporarily’ closed on October 8th and has remained closed since.

The company has said it will reopen its 127 cinemas in the UK from around May 17th, in Wales that will depend on the current alert level.

They state the move with be in line with current government guidance, but this alludes the UK government roadmap and is applicable to England only.

According to the Welsh Government’s revised Coronavirus Control Plan, entertainment venues such as cinemas, theatres and concert halls will be able to reopen at alert level 2 – medium risk.

Currently Wales is at alert level 4 – very high risk, but could move to alert level 3 – if virus levels continue to fall – towards the end of April.

Cineworld’s chief executive, Mooky Greidinger said: “We will be monitoring developments closely in the UK and across Europe as we set to gradually reopen across the world in line with local government guidance.”

The updated Coronavirus Control Plan sets out the following phased steps for moving from alert level four into alert level three:

Monday saw the first phased opening of non-essential retail with restrictions on the sale of items lifted for shops which are currently open, garden centres have also re-opened.

From Saturday 27 March:

Next week, Ministers will confirm if the conditions allow for the following relaxations to come into force:

• Stay local requirement lifted, moving Wales into alert level three;
• First phased opening of the tourism sector as self-contained accommodation opens;
• Organised outdoor children’s activities resume;
• Limited opening of outdoor areas of some historic places and gardens;
• Libraries re-open.

1 April review cycle

From 12 April (if conditions allow):

• Full return to schools, colleges and other education;
• All shops to open;
• Close contact services to open.

22 April review cycle

The following areas will be considered as part of the 22 April review, if the public health situation continues to remain positive and vaccination rates continue to increase:

• Gyms, leisure and fitness facilities;
• Outdoor attractions;
• Outdoor hospitality;
• Weddings;
• Community centres;
• Organised activities (30 outdoors, 15 indoors);
• Extended households.