Laemmle To Reopen In Santa Monica

SANTA MONICA, CA — Laemmle Theatre in Santa Monica will reopen April 9, joining numerous Los Angeles-area businesses reopening as Los Angeles moves to the orange tier of coronavirus restrictions. Films for the theatre's reopening will be posted closer to the date.

"At least locally, the virus is still in retreat, so kudos to all SoCal residents for helping stave off a fourth surge so far," Laemmle wrote. "We'll do our part with our enhanced safety measures in compliance with the CinemaSafe protocols developed by the National Association of Theatre Owners."

The movie theater, which also has locations in Glendale, North Hollywood, Pasadena and more, says their buildings will now have enhanced ventilation, plexiglass barriers and reserved seating to promote social distancing. Capacity will be limited to 50% as long as the county remains in the orange tier.

Laemmle has been closed since March 2020, when movie theaters were forced to close under state health orders. The theater has stayed afloat during the pandemic by going online with Laemmle Virtual Cinema, partnering with indie distributors to offer film rentals through the Laemmle website. More recently, they held "popcorn pop-ups" in NoHo, West L.A. and beyond to give movie goers a taste of their favorite movie snacks.

The virtual cinema will continue running for those who'd rather watch movies from home.

"Our veteran general managers have returned, like cavalry coming over the hill, to ready our theaters and make sure the reopening will be safe," Laemmle said.

- Patch Editor Kenan Draughorne contributed to this report.

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