Movie Theaters Vow to Stay Closed Until Popcorn Ban Lifted
Technically, movie theaters in San Francisco were allowed to open starting this week on October 7th at 25% capacity, but one of the restrictions put in place by the city has caused members of the National Association of Theatre Owners of California/Nevada unanimously decided to stay closed.
As first reported in Deadline, the theaters were fine with limiting to 25% capacity or a 100 max, but it’s the city’s ban on sales of concessions (i.e. popcorn & drinks, etc…) that “makes it economically impossible” for theaters to operate.
The reason for the ban on concessions during the initial reopening opening stage, is so that face covering can be “continuous” during the screenings.
Concession areas must remain closed at this time. Food and beverages even if purchased outside the theater are not allowed to be brought into the theater and consumed inside the theater. Eating and drinking are prohibited to ensure that Face Covering is continuous.
– See San Francisco’s guidelines for indoor movie theaters (updated October 7, 2020)
Outside of San Francisco, things are a little more flexible. In fact, Cinemark lets you rent out an entire theater for up to 20 people starting at $99 for the group (with popcorn and drink sales allowed) with several theaters in the Bay Area participating, but none in San Francisco.
San Francisco Theater Updates
- Roxie Theater – “In spite of the recent announcement that San Francisco theaters can reopen on October 7, The Roxie will remain closed to the general public. Right now, renovations in the Big Roxie lobby, bathrooms, and concessions area are under way and continuing through October. Our intent is to reopen slowly and cautiously.” – Updated 9/30/20
- Balboa Theater – No specific updates on indoor screenings other than “No indoor movies until further notice due to covid-19.” – but they have outdoor “Popcorn Popups” on their parklet typically on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays showing sports, movies or live jazz selling fresh hot popcorn and cold beer – Updated 10/8/20
- Castro Theatre – Just a generic message “Theatre is temporarily closed until further notice.” although they have taken down their fencing and have sold popcorn on occasion. Facebook seems to be best place for updates – Updated 9/24/20
- 4-Star Theater – “Closed for now” – no updates since April
- Presidio Theater – “Closed for now” – no updates since April
- Marina Theater – “Closed for now” – no updates since April
- Foreign Cinema – Open – Films being shown on patio. Reopened on June 24th.
- Embarcadero Center Cinema – No specific updates other than “Sorry there are no sessions available for the selected theatre and date.”
- Alamo Drafthouse – Generic “Sorry We’re Temporarily Closed” message on site, but they have “new house rules” already listed on website
