(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Sheldon Spackman

Please Take Your Seat

Carnival Cinemas reopening this Friday

Jun 17, 2020 | 5:02 PM

Local moviegoers will soon have the opportunity to see a film on the silver screen once again.

Carnival Cinemas in Red Deer will be reopening its doors this Friday, June 19 with some new COVID-19 safety measures in place.

Owner and President Bill Ramji says he couldn’t be any happier.

“We have waited for this day for a long time, albeit not at full capacity,” says Ramji. “But fingers crossed that people want to come out.”

Ramji notes a number of COVID-related protocols will be in place to help ensure the safety of both staff and guests.

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“Any precautions that a customer can take is also much appreciated,” adds Ramji. “Masks are not mandatory but it is recommended, so if you have a mask, by all means, put it on. But we will have our safety protocols as per guidelines, so we will be following that.”

Those measures include operating at between 30-35 per cent capacity per auditorium, guests in a group can sit beside each other but are strongly urged to leave at least one empty row between yourself and another group. Also, at least three seats between you and another group if sitting in the same row.

Guests are reminded to adhere to physical distancing measures while in the washrooms or lobby area, and follow all directional markings on the ground. Due to these measures, it’s anticipated transaction times may be longer than normal, so patrons are asked to be patient and respectful of those around them.

Ramji says show times will also be 15 minutes apart.

“We are not opening with all six different products, we are just starting with four,” he points out. “Then gauge and see what the demand is and how people are reacting to that. Of course we will only be working two tills and we’ll have a separate person bagging and preparing the popcorn so it’s not the same person doing the same job.”

Ramji admits the pandemic forced him to lay off all of his nearly two dozen staff members, but he’s happy to be bringing them back with a phased-in approach.

“We went from operating at a full 100 per cent down to zero,” he exclaims. “So there was nothing happening, but the only thing that we did twice a week in the last few weeks, was we had the curbside pickup for popcorn, just so we were keeping our customers happy that were really wanting our theatre popcorn.”

Carnival management has also announced that they are still booking birthday parties for a maximum of 10 guests in the party room, including both adults and children. Bookings for private auditorium rentals are also still available at reduced prices.

“It’s been a struggle to get the film titles booked, and our choices were slim, but we thank you in advance for your support and attendance,” reads a statement on the Carnival Cinemas Facebook page. “You can check the shows and times at www.carnivalcinemas.ca for everything starting June 19.”

Elsewhere, at Galaxy Cinemas in Gasoline Alley, Cineplex has announced it is working towards reopening six theatres in Alberta on June 26.

Movie theatres and theatres are among the amenities allowed to reopen in Stage 2 of the province’s relaunch plan starting June 12.