Vue cinemas hoping to re-open by July 4

Vue Cinema announced today that it would re-open its cinemas from July 4. The news comes after the government announced the first steps towards easing lockdown, with indications that businesses including cinemas could reopen later this summer.

Mr Richards previously revealed that the company was working with the government to find ways to kick start the industry while ensuring social distancing.

A spokesperson for the cinema chain now said in a statement released via Variety: "Vue welcomes the announcement by the UK government that includes cinemas among those businesses which it hopes will be in step three of its road-map to lift Covid-19 restrictions, possibly as soon as July 4.

"We have been liaising closely with authorities across Europe to design operating procedures that can provide the degree of social distancing required and allow an experience for our customers and staff that is as safe as possible.”

The statement continued: ”We look forward to working further with the government and the UK Cinema Association in the coming days to demonstrate the specific steps we will take in the UK, including physically isolating family groups through our online booking systems, staggering film times to maintain social distancing and operate responsibly, and introducing enhanced cleaning and employee protection protocols.

"Big screen entertainment is a force for good in society, providing an accessible and controlled way for families to begin to enjoy life outside their homes and we are excited to be able to start planning for a future where we can enjoy movies together again."