'Safer than a supermarket': Alamo Drafthouse sets COVID-19 procedures before a few open in July

Alamo Drafthouse founder and Executive Chairman Tim League shared that the company's theaters would be "safer than a supermarket" when they reopen, with "aggressive safety protocols, new food and beverage methods, and masks for all."

There is still no set date, but a few locations will be reopened in July as "learning labs" to test out new procedures, League said.

"We intend to make it so that you can leave your car, make it to your seat, enjoy your food and drinks, and be able to leave having never come within six feet of another person other than when your order is delivered, and having never touched a surface other than your chair and table – both of which will be sanitized between screenings with an electrostatic fogger and disinfectant," League said.

The new protocols, which will increase physical distancing and cleaning procedures, include the following:

• Guests will wear masks at all times, except when eating and drinking. Masks will be provided if not brought by customers.
• Guests will be seated six feet apart from other groups.
• Food ordering and tipping will be done online in advance to minimize interactions with Alamo team members.
• All Alamo staff will have their temperatures checked prior to starting work. Guests will also have their temperatures checked in some areas.
• Alamo staff will wear masks and gloves at all times. They will change their gloves and wash their hands at least every 30 minutes.

"Our anticipation is that if and when the threat of COVID-19 truly begins to recede, we'll be able to carefully and gradually begin operating like normal," League said. "We'll be able to ease off of many precautions, but some of these common-sense measures will continue indefinitely, while others will evolve into new things."