Cinemark Won't Require Customers To Wear Face Masks When Cinemas Reopen

Cinemark has been making news over the past 24 hours thanks to being one of the world’s largest cinema chains and speaking publicly about the details about reopening in July. And though it appears that Cinemark CEO Mark Zoradi does want to take a number of appropriate precautions to make sure the customers are safe and healthy while watching films, there’s one measure that the company is a bit lax on—face masks.

READ MORE: Cinemark Boss Doesn’t Think Theatrical Business Will “Get Into A Full-On Rhythm Again” Until 2022

During the investor’s call, the CEO said, “We have been intensely focused in developing enhanced health and safety protocols, understanding that these factors will weigh heavily on the confidence and peace of mind of our employees, guests and community as we reopen our theaters. [We will be] requiring all employees to wear face masks and encouraging guests to do the same.”

READ MORE: “Feeling Safe” Isn’t Enough: Reopening Cinemas Should Be Decided By Medical Professionals, Not Marketers

However, you may have noticed that the executive said that employees will be required to wear a mask but guests would only be encouraged to do the same.

In a clarification, a Cinemark spokesperson told The Wrap that “outside of those areas where it is required by local mandates, Cinemark will be encouraging — not requiring — guests to wear face masks.”

READ MORE: Cinemark CEO Says WB Is “Optimistic” That ‘Tenet’ Will Open In July

Currently, it’s being recommended by most health and public safety officials to wear a mask whenever out in public, especially in confined spaces. You know, like an auditorium where a bunch of people will be sitting in one spot for hours, breathing, sneezing, and coughing. Alas, those pesky masks make it difficult to eat popcorn, drink sodas, and enjoy other refreshments, huh? Strange that the company that sells those goodies is perfectly okay with you not wearing a mask. Hmmm.

As of now, Cinemark is trying to get its various locations up and running in time to welcome Christopher Nolan’sTenet” to theaters in July. Of course, that is all on the assumption that Warner Bros. is actually going to release the film at that time, which has yet to be fully confirmed.