Cineworld delay reopening of its cinemas by three weeks to July 31

Cineworld has delayed the reopening of its cinemas to July 31, three weeks later than its original plans for July 10.

The government has given cinemas the green light to open from July 4, with Boris Johnson announcing an easing of lockdown restrictions.

However, the chain has decided to push back to the end of the month following delays to the release of high-profile releases including Tenet and Mulan.

As Retuers reports, Cineworld CEO Mooky Greidinger announced the news in a statement and added: "Upcoming reopenings remain subject to final clarifications and confirmation in relation to various government COVID-19 restrictions.”

He added: "Cineworld looks forward to welcoming these moviegoers back to our cinemas next month and believes that they will once again be immersed in the timeless theatrical experience they know and love."

Other chains are planning to go ahead at the earliest opportunity, with the likes of Odeon and Everyman cinemas confirming plans to open on July 4.

Cinemas across the country will adapt social distancing practices when they reopen, including operating online booking systems, possible one-way queueing systems and running films at staggered times to avoid crowding.

It comes after Cineworld staff launched a petition to make face masks mandatory for guests when cinemas open, with Greidinger previously declaring that while staff will be required to wear face coverings, guests wouldn’t have to.

The Standard has reached out to Cineworld for comment.