That's because Premier
For multiplexes, that means one auditorium can be filled at more than 50 per cent, as long as the entire building remains at half capacity.
In practice, crowds inside one showing of "Spider-Man: No Way Home" could exceed 50 per cent capacity, as long as screenings for less popular movies even out the balance.
Movie theatres in
Cineplex noted late Friday that its
The new capacity limits come into effect shortly before another round of tightened restrictions are introduced early Sunday morning.
Ford's government said late Friday the new precautions include a prohibition on food and drink sales at various venues, including movie theatres. Concession sales are a significant portion of a multiplex's operating revenues, as the majority of most ticket sales go to the film's distributor.
The province says the tighter food and drink rules are part of an effort to discourage people from removing their masks and potentially spreading the virus in public.
"Spider-Man: No Way Home" arrives in cinemas after record-breaking ticket pre-sales. Industry estimates suggest the film could pull in upwards of
The Marvel superhero movie is one of the biggest titles of the Christmas movie season which will see the release of several other major titles, including "The Matrix Resurrections," "The King's Man," "Sing 2" and awards hopeful "Licorice Pizza" next weekend.
"We appreciate our guests' patience and understanding as our local teams do their best to implement these new mandated changes under very tight timelines," the company said in a statement.
"Our priority is first to implement these new guidelines, and secondly, to safely accommodate all of our guests with tickets to upcoming showtimes."
Landmark Cinemas, which operates a fewer number of cinemas in the province, says the latest capacity limits will have little noticeable impact.
"Moviegoers will be able to experience 'Spider-Man: No Way Home' in all Landmark theatres without change to their previously purchased seats," the company said in a statement, noting it has larger venues in
"We will monitor ticket sales to ensure we are in compliance with the government's order to maintain 50 per cent occupancy in the complex."
Other provinces have taken different approaches to theatre capacity and distancing measures.
Rules in
This report by
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