TN government backtracks on 100% capacity in movie halls

Chennai, Jan 8 : Faced with opposition from the public, the Centre and even the Madras High Court over allowing full occupancy in movie theatres, the Tamil Nadu government on Friday decided to reverse its decision.
In a statement, the government said considering advice of the Central government, only 50 per cent occupancy will be allowed in all movie theatres across the state.
The government also said as suggested by the High Court, the theatres are allowed to increase the number of shows screened in a day.
Lending its ears to the demand of the theatre owners and actors, the Tamil Nadu government, on January 4, permitted 100 per cent occupancy in cinema theatres.
It said that the decision was taken as the number of Covid-19 infections is coming down in the state.
The government had earlier permitted theatres to screen movies with 50 per cent occupancy.