Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced that movie theaters will be allowed to re-open this Friday, along with restaurants, retail stores and museums. Abbott adds: “This is permission to open, not a requirement.”
Texas becomes the latest state to allow theaters to open, though the major chains are not expected to restart business until at least July. Georgia allowed its theaters to re-open on Monday but few, if any, have chosen to do so.
Those that do open in Texas are allowed to operate at only 25% capacity, which may make it uneconomical for many businesses to operate. Major theater chains are unlikely to reopen without the support of major studio releases. The famed Alamo Drafthouse has already issued a statement saying safety concerns are causing them to hold off from reopening.
Barber shops, hair salons, bars and gyms aren’t allowed to reopen under the initial phase.
Source: Variety
