AMC To Reopen Next Month, No Masks Required

Variety reports:

AMC Theatres, the world’s largest exhibitor, has unveiled plans to re-open after coronavirus forced it to close its more than 600 venues in the U.S. for nearly four months. The company is expected to resume operations in 450 of those locations on July 15 and expects to be almost fully operational by the time that Disney’s “Mulan” debuts on July 24 and Warner Bros.’ “Tenet” bows on July 31.

AMC will not mandate that all guests wear masks, although employees will be required to do so. “We did not want to be drawn into a political controversy,” said Aron. “We thought it might be counterproductive if we forced mask wearing on those people who believe strongly that it is not necessary. We think that the vast majority of AMC guests will be wearing masks. When I go to an AMC feature, I will certainly be wearing a mask and leading by example.”

AMC’s mask policy spawned an enormous backlash on Twitter overnight. Hashtags such as #BoycottAMC are trending at this writing. Earlier this month AMC warned its creditors that it is unlikely to survive the pandemic in its current form.