UPDATE- AMC will now require face masks from customers

Last Updated on July 30, 2021

UPDATE: According to THR, AMC has reversed course and will in fact be requiring customers to wear face masks when they reopen next month. According to a press release issued by the company:

"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. At AMC Theatres, we think it is absolutely crucial that we listen to our guests. Accordingly, and 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. The speed with which AMC moved to revise our mask policies is a reflection of our commitment to the safety and health of our guests."

Original post: Following in the footsteps of Cinemark and Regal Cinemas, AMC Theatres has unveiled their official plans for reopening beginning on July 15 and, even though their employees will have to wear face masks to follow new safety protocols, guests coming into the theater will not be required to wear them to enter one of their locations.

There will be some exceptions to the rule. If you live in a state that has mandated that face coverings are mandatory to enter a public place, the AMC in that location will follow state regulations and require the face mask to enter or if you travel to a public space of the theater like the concession stand or bathroom. Much like a restaurant, if you're seated in your area and are properly socially distanced, you don't have to wear a face mask while watching a film at their establishment. Here is what AMC CEO Adam Aron had to say about the face mask decision:

"We did not want to be drawn into a political controversy. 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."

AMC will be selling masks for a dollar to guests who forgot to bring one to one of their locations. This is pretty much the same method that is being used by both Cinemark and Regal who are encouraging their guests to wear masks but not require it in states and areas where it is not mandated. AMC will also not be performing temperature checks on guests, though they will monitor their employees' temperatures and have them undergo screenings to check for signs of the coronavirus. 

The largest theater chain in the nation, with 600 locations across the U.S., plans on having 450 of those locations open on July 15. The remaining 150 locations should be opened by the release of MULAN on July 24. The plan is to open up their locations in internal phases. Phase 1 will have their locations opened at 30% capacity with every other row of seats automatically blocked off for every showtime. Phase 2 will take them to 40% capacity and by Labor Day they should be playing to 50% capacity. By Thanksgiving, the goal is to be playing to 100% capacity in time for MGM's NO TIME TO DIE and Disney's SOUL.

AMC's other safety protocols set in place when they reopen will be cleaning auditoriums between each showtime and allowing extra time between screenings for disinfection, pushing guests to use online ticketing and kiosks to limit interactions with staff, designating various points within theaters for one-way foot traffic, lean heavily on technological solutions such as deploying electrostatic sprayers, HEPA vacuums and upgraded MERV 13 ventilation filters, which could eliminate airborne particles and reduce the chance that COVID-19 will spread. AMC is also discouraging the use of cash transactions and is strongly encouraging the use of debit or credit cards, especially when buying food at the concession stand.

I know so many people are mixed about going back to movie theaters but I for one can't wait to go back. It seems like every chain is doing what they can to make sure that guests feel safe while occupying their establishments and this issue of not requiring face masks for guests, seems to be bone of contention with most moviegoers. I personally wouldn't mind wearing one to walk in or when I visit a public area at the theater but if I'm seated with my friends and distanced from others, I don't feel the need to wear it during the 2hour+ duration of a motion picture. That's just my take on it but I'd love to hear your thoughts as well.

Would YOU feel comfortable going to AMC with the safety measures they'll have in place?