MAHARASHTRA GOVT.’S SOPs DO NOT ALLOW FOOD IN AUDITORIA| 13 October, 2021

The Maharashtra government on 12th October issued the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to be followed for reopening of cinemas in the state from 22nd October. Cinemas will be allowed to function at 50% capacity but the SOPs do not mention anything about the limit on show timings.

No food or beverage can be served inside the auditorium, as per the SOPs. The SOPs do not specify any vaccine mandate for the patrons. Masks will have to be compulsorily worn all the time by patrons. Staffers like ushers, food handling staff and cleaning staff will have to be fully vaccinated. In other words, a minimum of 14 days should have elapsed after the second dose of vaccination in their case.

Other SOPs include regular sanitisation of auditoria after every show, staggering of show timings to avoid crowding, and regular cleaning and disinfection of theatre areas.