New Delhi: In a major relief to the entertainment industry in the state, Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday announced exemption of license fee of multiplexes and cinema halls for 6 months period, starting from April 1, 2020 to Sept 30, 2020.
The decision was taken by the Yogi govt to lend support to the battered industry, which has been closed for last 6 months.
According to official spokesman, the multiplexes and picture halls were closed during this period owing to the lockdown and this exemption has come as a major relief to their owners.
The CM announced this exemption under the provisions of section 10 of the UP Cinema (Regulation) Act 1955.
Cinema halls and multiplexes are set to re-open from October 15 (Thursday) after a long gap due to Covid-19 restrictions. However, they will be subject to all Covid-19 guidelines as announced by the government.
The UP government as well as Centre in its advisory called for reopening of cinema halls and multiplexes with 50% seating capacity.
Below are the SOPs for cinema halls/multiplexes
# Inside the cinema halls, there should be minimum 6 feet of distance between two individuals in the common area and waiting area. Thermal screening of individuals will be done before they enter the auditorium. Only asymptomatic persons will be allowed entry, according to the statement.
# Arrangement of contactless sanitiser should be made.
# To ensure that 50 per cent occupancy is adhered to, tape in the shape of cross should be put on seats not meant for sitting. Information about the seats not meant for sitting should also be displayed at the booking window.
# To ensure contact tracing, phone numbers of customers should be taken. The intervals of different shows should be staggered and efforts should be made to ensure that there is no crowding in toilets. Adequate food counters should be made.
# The temperature of the air conditioner should be set at 24-30 degrees Celsius and there should be cross ventilation.
# Limited people should be allowed in lifts. The halls should be cleaned after every show.
