State govt says 50 pc seating capacity in cinema halls from April 7

Bengaluru: Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa informed that the state government has extended the implication of its order regarding 50 per cent seating capacity in cinema halls and it is to be applicable from April 7.

Karnataka government announced yesterday that order capping seating capacity in theatres at 50 per cent would now be applicable from April 7, following a request from the Kannada film industry.

The order from the Karnataka government, “Under clause 10 of the order, seating allowed in the cinema hall was restricted to a maximum of 50 per cent of the seating capacity.

If further added, “The Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce has made a request to CM to allow cinema halls to run due to the fact that advance online bookings have been made because of the non-receipt of advance notice. It is now, decided that the said restriction will be made applicable with effect from 7th April 2021.”

A huge crowd was seen outside Bengaluru’s Veeresh theatre last night, amid rising COVID-19 cases.