Telangana Govt allows 100% occupancy in theaters

"Government keeping in view the orders issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India and SOPs issued by the Ministry of Information & Broadcast, hereby permit to enhance the seating capacity to 100 per cent in Cinemas/Theaters/multiplexes," said Somesh Kumar, Chief Secretary to Government of Telangana in its order.

Earlier, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting on January 31 said that cinema halls, multiplexes and theatres can operate with 100 per cent capacity. The central government also released a standard operating procedure on preventive measures to contain the spread of COVID-19 for cinema halls and theaters. "Sanitisation and COVID protocols will have to be adhered to but people can buy food from the stalls inside the theaters," said Prakash Javadekar, the Minister of Information and Broadcast. The centre also asked for digital booking of the tickets, long intervals and staggered show timing.

In SOP the government also added there should be proper crowd management in the parking lits and outside the premises and physical norms shall be ensured.

Stressing on the sanitisation of the entire premises, the SOP calls for frequent sanitization of the entire premises, common facilities, and all points which come into human contact, e.g. handles, railings, etc. shall be ensured and auditorium shall be sanitized after every screening.

Earlier, Telangana Government has allowed to operate the cinema halls in the state with 50 per cent occupancy from November 23.

Apart from Telangana, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Punjab and Tamil Nadu have already allowed 100 per cent occupancy in cinema halls.