Odeon, Vue, Cineword and Picturehouse closing all cinemas amid coronavirus epidemic
BRITISH cinemas are set to close their doors to the public as the coronavirus crisis continues to escalate.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson, urged people in the UK to avoid socialising, including cinemas, theatres and pubs.
Odeon, Vue, Cineworld and Picturehouse have all said they will be shutting immediately.
Odeon to shut 120 cinemas
Odeon announced in a tweet this morning that it closing its 120 cinemas until further notice, to halt the spread of the virus.
It said that any customers with pre-booked tickets would be refunded automatically.
If you have any further questions, Odeon said to contact its Guest Services Centre by clicking here.
Odeon has also automatically paused membership payments for Limitless members until cinemas reopen.
As this can take up to 48 hours, if your next payment does go through, you will still be refunded automatically.
Vue announces closure of 91 cinemas
Vue has also announced that it will shut its 91 cinemas in the UK from today.
The cinema chain says it is putting employment policies in place to protect employees.
The Sun has asked whether customers with prepaid tickets will be refunded and will update this story when we know.
Tim Richards, founder and chief executive of Vue International, said: "Since the first news of the Covid-19 outbreak, we have been doing everything we can to provide a high-quality, enjoyable and safe big-screen experience for our customers.
"However in line with the UK Government's latest public health advice we will be closing all our 91 cinemas in the UK & Ireland from today, March 17, until further notice."
Cinewold and Picturehouse closing until further notice
Cineworld and Picturehouse have both also announced that they are closing doors starting from today.
There is no reopening date as yet, with movie theatres closed "until further notice".
The Sun has asked Cineworld and Picturehouse whether they will refund prepaid tickets and will update this story when we know.
We have also asked about whether refunds will be available to Cineworld Unlimited customers.
Cineworld Group CEO Mooky Greidiner said: "At Cineworld and Picturehouse, we are committed to providing safe and healthy environments for our employees and guests and have therefore made the difficult decision to close our cinemas in UK and Ireland until further notice."
Last week, the chain said that it could be put out of business because of coronavirus.
It warned that a worst-case scenario could leave the group losing up to three months revenue and unable to pay its debts.
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