Where pandemic meets popcorn
Drive-in movie theatres are allowed to open — without concession stands. That’s a non-starter, says one major operator
The show will go on at the Stoney Creek’s Starlite Drive-in Theatre this summer, but not until the province eases restrictions around concession sales, according to its operator.
On Saturday, the province of Ontario announced that drivein movie theatres could reopen effective May 31 “in order to help support communities and local businesses recover from the devastating economic impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak.”
But, with one important caveat, said Peter Boros, spokesperson for Premier Theatres. Patrons would be unable to purchase food and drinks onsite.
Until that changes, an opening date is up in the air, he added.
“We’re still thinking about how we’re going to open, because concessions are our No. 1 (revenue) generator,” said Boros, noting they are looking for the province to change their position.
Boros said Premier Theatres, along with other operators, have put their concerns to the province.
The parent company owns several drive-ins across the province, including Starlite, the 5 Drive-in in Oakville, the Sunset in Barrie, the Stardust Drive-in in Newmarket and the Mustang Drive-in in London.
“That will put us in a good spot, and everybody will be happy,” he said.
Boros said the company has “thought ahead” on preparations to open and do business in the time of physical distancing.
To serve concessions, the company is working to develop an app, similar to UberEats and Skip the Dishes which would deliver popcorn, drinks and other food items directly to the window of someone’s car or to a designated pickup spot.
Ticket sales will also be moved entirely online and will be checked at the gate as people come in, he added.
“You don’t have to go inside,” said Boros. “We have to keep it online until we know that it’s safe enough.”
The lots, which can usually fit up to 1,000 vehicles, will be cut down to half-capacity and there will be additional “social-distancing” washrooms added to each of their locations, which will be “frequently” sanitized by staff.
“They never told us it had to be 50 per cent capacity, but we’re doing it for the safety of our patrons,” said Boros. “We want to take every precaution we can.”
The playgrounds, which often sit right in front of the big screens, will also be closed off until the theatres are given the go-ahead.
Boros said the company has ordered all of its personal protective equipment, which will include face shields, masks and gloves. Additional staff has been hired for sanitizing purposes as well as security, he added.
Plexiglas has also been installed at the ticket booths as well as in the indoor concession stands, he said.
Boros said they have started booking their summer films and have staff on standby for opening night once they get the green light on food sales.
Even at half-capacity, the company is expecting this summer to be one of its biggest yet, said Boros.
Movie theatres chains such as Cineplex have been shuttered since mid-March when the province declared a state of emergency as COVID-19 case numbers began to rise.
“Our parks are quite busy over a regular year, but this year, we know it’s going to be busier than ever, even with the social-distancing rules in place,” said Boros. “We’re looking forward to opening.”
Opening night details will be announced on the company’s website, according to Boros.