LOCAL cinema operators Palace Amusement Company has taken the decision to close down its operations until the end of the current government measures to stem the spread of the novel coronavirus.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the company noted that effective immediately it would be ceasing operations at Carib 5 and the New Kingston Drive-In cinemas in the Corporate Area and Sunshine Palace in Portmore, St Catherine, until further notice, in keeping with the recent mandates under the Disaster Risk Management Act.

Currently, the islandwide curfew begins at 8:00 pm and ends at 5:00 am, and no gathering should be of more than 10 people.

The company had previously closed its operations at Palace Cineplex in Liguanea, St Andrew, and at Palace Multiplex in Montego Bay, St James, due to the effect the current pandemic was having on patronage.

Last month when the latest measures were announced by Government, including the 8:00 pm curfew times, Palace Amusement was forced to close the New Kingston Drive-in cinema for a week as based on the duration of the films scheduled to run at that outlet they would not be able to make the new cut-off times. At that time, Marketing Manager Melanie Graham explained that for the cinemas, which would remain open, everything was being cut to bare bones to facilitate this curfew. This includes the cutting back on the showing of trailers ahead of the start of the movies.

“It’s a lot of juggling that we have had to do to cope with one problem after the other. Again, it is disappointing that we have to cut the showing of trailers as so many persons look forward to these trailers to see what is coming to the screens in the future… but it’s just something we have to do,” said Graham.

Palace said it remains committed to the health, safety and well-being of its staff and the nation at large.