AMC Theaters WILL Require Masks When They Finally Reopen

AMC Theaters, the world's largest exhibitor, plans on reopening around 400 out of its more than 600 locations. Opening day at the movies is (tentatively) July 15. As days go by they expect to be fully operational by the time Disney's "Mulan" is released on July 24th and "Tenet" is released on July 31st (the two most anticipated movies of the summer).

After AMC CEO Adam Aron initially told Variety that a face mask policy would not be in place in order to not be "drawn into a political controversy" AMC has decided to reverse that and had decided that it will require employees and guests to wear a mask upon reopening. The move comes after a wave of backlash hit the theater chain. Ryan Noonan, the director of corporate communications for AMC, now says that AMC has heard the concerns from their customers and released a statement:

"At AMC Theatres, we think it is absolutely crucial that we listen to our guests. Accordingly, and with the full support of our scientific advisors, we are reversing course and are changing our guest mask policy. As we reopen theatres, we now will require that all AMC guests nationwide wear masks as they enter and enjoy movies at our theatres."

Guests who do not have masks will be able to purchase one for $1 at the theater.

News of the reopening come after competitors Regal and Cinemark theaters laid out their plans for reopening their theaters, all which require face coverings. I'm sure in the coming weeks we'll get more announcements and guidelines of theater reopening's.