Screen capacities will be reduced by over 70 percent initially when cinemas reopen from next Friday.

In-cinema seat separation, pre-booking of tickets and reduced showtimes are amongst the safety measures that will be introduced by Omniplex Cinemas to facilitate to reopening of seven cinemas across Republic of Ireland from next week, with information on their Northern Ireland cinemas to follow at a later date. Seven Omniplex cinemas – in Cork, Rathmines, Limerick, Galway, Wexford, Arklow and the brand new D’LUXX cinema in Drogheda – will reopen from next Friday (3 July), showing a host of classic movies. All cinemas, including Drogheda, the opening of which was postponed in March and will now reopen on 3 July, will operate with the following range of safety measures, adapted in line with official guidance. Pre-Booking of tickets: To control the number of patrons in foyers and auditoriums, tickets need to be booked online. In-Cinema Seat Separation: A two-metre gap will be provided beside, in-front of and behind each booking. Limited capacity: A maximum of 50 guests at any time will be permitted in the foyer or at any screening with social distancing in place. Screen capacities will reduce by over 70% as a result. Enhanced cleaning regimes, including screens and all customer touchpoints. Guests will find sanitisation stations in all Omniplex cinemas. Reduced showtimes: Only one movie will start every 20 minutes to facilitate social distancing and extra cleaning. Commenting on the reopening of the cinemas, Mark Anderson, Director of Omniplex Cinemas, said: “We’re delighted to be reopening our cinemas over the next few weeks with a selection of popular classic movies. In order to enjoy a safe cinema going experience patrons will notice some changes." “We have worked hard to ensure our auditoriums observe two-metre social distancing and for the first few weeks, tickets will only be sold online. Patrons will also notice new directional and instructional signs throughout the cinema as well as self-scanning of tickets. However, fresh Popcorn and treats will still be available at the shop.” “Cinema is a place where you can safely enjoy a day out with your family, a date night with your partner, or a movie night with friends, we are delighted to be again able to show movies to our customers nationwide,” Anderson added. You can find out more information on the phased reopening by checking out their website here.