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Nu Metro cinemas to open for weekends only – with a new approach to popcorn, booze for VIPs

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This article forms part of the archives of Business Insider South Africa, which was published as a partnership between News24 and Insider Inc between 2018 and 2023.

For the movie lovers.
(Photo by Denise Jans on Unsplash)

  • Nu Metro will reopen 16 of its flagship cinema complexes on Friday, August 28 – but over weekends only.
  • VIP patrons will enjoy bar and sit-down restaurant services, and can order alcohol for consumption in the lounge area or in the auditorium. 
  • Popcorn seasoning containers will be replaced by sealed, disposable sachets.
  • There will be a limit of 50 patrons in each auditorium with two seats between each customer, but a maximum of two people will be allowed to sit next to each other. 

Nu Metro has announced it will be reopening 16 of its flagship cinema complexes on Friday, August 28, but on weekends only.

In the initial opening, Nu Metro cinemas will be open to the public between Fridays and Sundays, and on holidays, within the 22:00 curfew that remains in place in Level 2.

The cinema chain has stressed its compliance with measures to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

“Our commitment and responsibility towards customers have never been stronger as we face this ‘new normal’ together,” said marketing and content executive Chantelle Burrows in a statement.

“Public’s safety, as well as the safety and health of our team members, is our highest priority.”

VIP cinemas will open as well and patrons there will be able to enjoy bar- and sit-down restaurant services. This includes ordering alcohol and meals for consumption either in the lounge area or in the auditorium while watching a movie. 

According to Nu Metro spokesperson Walter Gelderblom, this is a "much safer restaurant and bar alternative" since people are apart from one another and don’t come in and out frequently.  

 Here’s what else to expect;

  • Online bookings on Nu Metro’s website are encouraged, but on-site purchases will be made at self-service terminals, box office and catering counters.
  • There will be at least a 1.5 metre distance between booked seats, and two seats will be blocked between customers. However, a maximum of two customers can sit next to each other in an auditorium.
  • Popcorn seasoning shaker will be replaced by sealed, disposable sachets.
  • Cinema capacity will be limited to 50 patrons per screening room, and time between shows will be staggered to avoid overcrowding in the foyer.  

All cinemas, including 2D, 3D, and various premium cinemas, will be open.

These are the Nu Metro cinemas that will be first to re-open.

Johannesburg

Hyde Park

Emperors Palace

Clearwater Mall

The Glen

Westgate 

Pretoria 

Menlyn Park  

Woodlands

Western Cape

Canal Walk

Worcester

KwaZulu-Natal

Ballito Junction

Cornubia Mall

The Pavilion

Galleria, Amanzimtoti

Port Elizabeth 

Boardwalk 

Bloemfontein 

Loch Logan 

Limpopo

Masingita Mall, Giyani


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