Apollo Cinema closes its doors temporarily again, Princess Cinemas to stay open
John Tutt says movie goers feel safer in smaller venues
Downtown Kitchener's Apollo Cinema is closing it's doors temporarily again due to the pandemic.
The move comes as the region entered the orange category of the province's colour coded COVID-19 response framework earlier this week and there's talk of the region moving to the "red zone" soon.
"It's important to us to protect and care for our community here in downtown Kitchener, so we're taking this step to do our part to protect our customers and staff and prevent moving to red," a Twitter post read.
People can hold on to any purchased tickets until the theatre opens up again, the post adds. People can also pick up take-out popcorn and beer from the concession stand even though the theatre is closed.
We're sad to have do this again - but it's important to us to protect and care for our staff and our community here in <a href="https://twitter.com/DTKitchener?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DTKitchener</a> 💜💛 <a href="https://t.co/22OyF5f9tA">pic.twitter.com/22OyF5f9tA</a>
—@theApolloCinemaPrincess Cinemas will 'carry on'
Meanwhile, the Princess Cinemas in Waterloo told CBC News the theatre plans to remain open.
"We will carry on until we get the message to close to the general public," said owner, John Tutt, in an email.
"Art cinemas attract a small loyal fan base. And our audiences remain small," he said. "The experience is touch-free from beginning to end."
Tutt adds the theatre has been and will continue to abide by public health's guidelines.
The Princess Cafe has also added a sidewalk beer shop that Tutt says has been well received.