The UK Cinema Association has welcomed today’s announcement that COVID-19 restrictions at cinemas in England are set to be relaxed from Monday 19 July.

Proposed changes would – if data continues its current positive trajectory – see the removal of requirements around social distancing and capacity caps in cinema auditoriums, as well as of the mandatory use of face coverings and collection of contact details for all customers.

Commenting on today’s announcement, UKCA Chief Executive Phil Clapp said:

‘The current social distancing requirements and capacity caps in place at cinemas in England have undoubtedly presented significant financial and operational challenges to many of our members, so we are pleased they will now be given the opportunity to respond more flexibly to audience demand. We hope to see similar announcements in the other UK nations shortly.

We will continue to work with the government and our members to ensure that the big screen experience remains a safe and enjoyable one, something repeated public surveys have shown is recognised by the overwhelming majority of cinema-goers. As a result, we expect some safeguards – such as safety screens, provision of hand sanitisers and the implementation of enhanced cleaning regimes – to remain in place at many sites.’