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Local drive-in theaters to reopen this Friday, with extensive restrictions

Posted at 8:53 AM, May 12, 2020
and last updated 2020-05-12 18:26:04-04

LOCKPORT, N.Y. (WKBW) — As the saying goes, the show must go on. For drive-in theaters in WNY it will on May 15.

"Hopefully the weather will be great and people will be happy. We'll have some movies on the screen for the first time since November," said Rick Cohen, Owner of the Transit Drive-In in Lockport.

The approval came from the State on Monday. The Lockport staple says it plans to reopen this Friday, will reopen with several extensive restrictions, according to their Facebook page.

Here are the following restrictions

  • All ticketing will be through internet pre-sale only. Ticket sales will not be available at the ticket window until further notice.
  • All ticket purchases for everyone in the vehicle must be made under one purchase.
  • Smoking and vaping is prohibited in the parking areas, and around all buildings.
  • All vehicles must be parked six feet apart.
  • If you decide to sit outside of your vehicle, you must remain at least 6 feet away from the vehicles parked next to you.
  • Face masks must be worn at all
  • times when sitting outside of your vehicle.
  • Same night re-admission is not permitted.
  • Only single features will be offered, until further notice.
  • The playground area is closed until further notice.
  • Patrons must remain inside or near their vehicles at all times, except for bathroom breaks, visits to the snack bar, smoking area, or to walk your dog.
  • Please limit snack bar visits to one person per vehicle due to social distancing restrictions.
  • You can order snacks through an app.
  • The snack bar lobby will be limited to 10 people or fewer at a time, until further notice.
  • Restroom use will be available for emergency use only, one patron at a time, until further notice.
  • An adult may accompany a young child to use the restroom if necessary.
  • Attendants will be sanitizing each restroom stall between use with hospital grade disinfectant.
  • There will be monitored social distancing lines outside of the restroom area.

"Use your restroom before you leave the house. Don't load up on soda pop, you should be able to make it through a movie and you never have to leave your car if you don't want to," said Cohen.

Cohen is also starting a new tradition by starting each movie with a 30-second clip to thank healthcare workers, first responders and essential workers.

Rules are similar at the Silver Lake Twin Drive-In in Perry.

"We've completely re-fabricated the way we do business...the main thing I would like to tell people is if they continue to practice the things they've been doing for the last month, I think it will be a very smooth transition," said Rick Stefanon, owner.

Transit Drive-In says the restrictions will be temporary, and guidelines will be reviewed weekly. Both owners say they're hoping for the best as they adjust to this new normal.