Korean Film Council Requests "Allow Eating in Theaters, Will Ensure Thorough Quarantine Measures"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Isul] The theater industry has requested permission to eat and drink inside movie theaters.

The Korea Association of Multiplex Theaters issued an urgent statement on the 17th, strongly demanding, "Please allow eating and drinking inside theaters to save the movie theater industry on the brink of collapse."

They added, "The government is considering easing social distancing measures following the peak of COVID-19. They are reportedly looking at relaxing time restrictions as well as limits on private gathering sizes," and pointed out, "It seems that health authorities are particularly negative about eating and drinking inside movie theaters."

The association raised its voice, saying, "In restaurants and cafes, it has become commonplace to take off masks and freely eat and drink, so we want to ask why only movie theaters are being restricted."

They also claimed, "Movie theaters have quietly followed government guidelines throughout the COVID-19 situation," and lamented, "What we have received in return is an enormous accumulated deficit that is unbearable."

The association further promised, "Even if eating and drinking inside theaters are allowed, theaters themselves will strengthen quarantine measures to prevent the spread of infection. We will strictly enforce mask removal only during the time of eating and drinking, and voluntarily maintain spaced seating until the situation fully improves."

The Korea Association of Multiplex Theaters includes the three major domestic multiplex chains and individual theaters nationwide as member companies.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.