That was fast. Less than a day after saying AMC Theatres would reopen to guests and not mandate masks, the CEO of the company has changed course.
“This announcement prompted an intense and immediate outcry from our customers, and it is clear from this response
that we did not go far enough on the usage of masks,” Adam Aron said in a new statement released Friday.
In an interview with Variety published late Thursday, Aron outlined the company’s plans to reopen 450 of its 600 theaters on July 15 after the coronavirus shutdown, saying workers would wear masks but moviegoers wouldn’t have the same obligation. He suggested that the wearing of masks had become a political issue.
“We did not want to be drawn into a political controversy,” Aron told Variety. “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.”
Today, AMC released a lengthy written statement walking back those comments: “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.”
Moviegoers are encouraged to bring their own masks, but the theater will also be selling them for $1 each. “Those who are unwilling to wear a mask will not be admitted or allowed to stay,” Aron said.
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