AMC changes policy, masks now required

After an outcry on social media, AMC chief Adam Aron (inset) reversed the chain’s policy, and all patrons will be required to wear masks when its theaters reopen in July.

Movie-theater chain AMC backtracked on Friday after initially saying it won’t require patrons to wear face masks in order to avoid “political controversy” when it reopens next month.

The nation’s biggest theater chain — whose more than 600 locations nationwide were shuttered by coronavirus lockdowns in March — is slated to reopen 450 theaters on July 15, and expects to be almost fully reopened by the end of July in time for Disney’s “Mulan” to make its debut, according to a report by Variety.

On Thursday, Chief Executive Adam Aron had told the trade publication that AMC had no plans to require moviegoers to wear face masks, nor would they be screened for fevers.

“We did not want to be drawn into a political controversy,” Aron said. “We thought it might be counterproductive if we forced mask wearing on those people who believe strongly that it is not necessary.”

A day later, however, Aron reversed course and said AMC will require masks at all screenings nationwide.

“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,” Aron said in a Friday statement. “Accordingly, and with the full support of our scientific advisers, we are reversing course.”

Aside from masks, AMC said it plans to minimize the risk of spreading the coronavirus by reducing theater capacity, cleaning theaters more rigorously, providing hand sanitizer and pushing online ticket purchases rather than in-person sales.

Separately Friday, No. 2 cinema chain Regal said it also will require moviegoers to wear masks when its theaters reopen next month, after Regal and Cinemark previously said they would “encourage” customers to wear a mask.

Alamo Drafthouse, an independent movie theater chain based in Austin, Texas, also jumped into the fray, issuing a Friday statement outlining its own pro-mask reopening plan.

“When we open, the safety of our teammates and guests cannot be compromised,” Alamo said. “This is not political. We will require that guests wear masks at the theater (except when eating and drinking). Those without masks will be given one.”