Vue says it hopes to reopen on 4 July, following the UK government's announcement this week that that will be the earliest date.
The cinema chain has welcomed plans laid out by Boris Johnson for businesses such as cinemas to be able to restart this summer after weeks of lockdown.
Speaking about the proposals, the film chain confirmed that plans were already in place to make sure their cinemas were safe for customers to visit.
Advert
A spokesperson said: "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.
"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.
Advert
"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."
In a 60-page document published yesterday, the government set out a three-phase plan to take the UK out of lockdown, including proposals for when public venues would potentially be able to reopen at the earliest.
However, it stated that businesses would have to be assessed to determine whether they will be able to get back to work at the same time as others.
The report read: "The next step will also take place when the assessment of risk warrants further adjustments to the remaining measures.
Advert
"The Government's current planning assumption is that this step will be no earlier than 4 July, subject to the five tests justifying some or all of the measures below, and further detailed scientific advice, provided closer to the time, on how far we can go.
"Some venues which are, by design, crowded and where it may prove difficult to enact distancing may still not be able to re-open safely at this point, or may be able to open safely only in part.
"Nevertheless the Government will wish to open as many businesses and public places as the data and information at the time allows."
Featured Image Credit:
Topics: UK News, Interesting, Coronavirus, UK Entertainment