Cinemas in Ontario and Quebec are beginning to reopen after the latest round of pandemic-induced closures over the past month. Ontario’s theatres will begin to re-open starting January 31st, with Quebec to follow suit in the week of February 7th. Moviegoers will be required to show proof of vaccination, while capacity will be limited and concessions sales will not be allowed. These restrictions will be eased as infection rates continue to decline.
Ellis Jacobs, the President, and CEO of Cineplex, Canada’s largest exhibitor, expressed disappointment at not being allowed to sell concessions after reopening. “Popcorn and the movies go hand-in-hand so the continued restrictions on food and beverage sales at our theatres are disappointing. We’ll keep our poppers warm so we are ready for when these unwarranted restrictions lift.”
Nonetheless, Hollywood is relieved by the reopening of theatres in Canada’s two most populous provinces, which has contributed to disappointing domestic box office results over the past month.