More than a dozen lawmakers in New York want to see movie theaters reopen.
This week Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that casinos would be allowed to reopen at 25% capacity. Most other businesses at this point have been allowed to reopen, and in a matter of days students will head back to school.
But that hasn’t changed the fact that theaters remain closed.
“Up to 10,000 movie theater employees statewide have been laid-off or furloughed and small, locally owned movie theaters are looking at permanent closure as movie theaters remain closed across New York State,” said Assemblywoman Patricia Fahy.
“Across the country small businesses are being forced to close for good as the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc on our economy. In communities throughout New York but especially Upstate, locally-owned movie theaters are a critical part of downtowns and ‘Main Streets’ where foot traffic and other amenities drive our local economies. These establishments need state guidance to reopen in regions where it is safe to do so in order to stem the tidal wave of closures facing our small business community throughout the state.”
More than 40 states have allowed limited reopening of movie theaters, including some around New York.
It’s unclear if Governor Cuomo might relax restrictions on their operation anytime soon.
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