G.O. Ms. No. 1, Increase in Seating Capacity of Cinemas/Theatres/Multiplexes, 2021
The Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Government of Tamil Nadu issued G.O. Ms. No. 1 on 4 January 2021 to permit cinemas, theatres and multiplexes to increase seating capacity from 50% to 100%, subject to the existing Standard Operating Procedure. It amended G.O. Ms. No. 820 dated 31 December 2020 and also required COVID-19 precautionary measures to be screened for spectators during show time.
What the notification did
The Revenue and Disaster Management Department, Government of Tamil Nadu issued G.O. Ms. No. 1 on 4 January 2021 under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. It amended G.O. Ms. No. 820, Revenue and Disaster Management (DM-IV) Department, dated 31 December 2020.
The amendment permitted cinemas, theatres and multiplexes to increase their seating capacity from the existing 50% to 100%. The permission was subject to compliance with the Standard Operating Procedure already issued by the Government.
Who was affected
G.O. Ms. No. 1 directly concerned:
- Owners and operators of cinemas, theatres and multiplexes in Tamil Nadu.
- People attending film screenings at those premises.
- Authorities responsible for implementing the COVID-19 lockdown restrictions and permitted activities.
For property buyers, owners and land professionals, the notification does not set out land ownership, registration, planning, building approval or land use provisions. Its stated subject is the operation and seating capacity of cinemas, theatres and multiplexes during the COVID-19 lockdown.
Key provisions
G.O. Ms. No. 1 made the following changes and requirements:
- Seating capacity at cinemas, theatres and multiplexes could increase from 50% to 100%.
- Operators were required to follow the Standard Operating Procedure already issued.
- COVID-19 precautionary measures had to be screened during show time to create awareness among spectators.
- The new permission was added under the permitted activities in G.O. Ms. No. 820 dated 31 December 2020.
Background recorded in the notification
The Revenue and Disaster Management Department stated that the statewide lockdown had been extended from time to time and was last extended until 24:00 hours on 31 January 2021. Cinemas, theatres and multiplexes had previously been allowed to open from 10 November 2020 with 50% seating capacity and subject to the Standard Operating Procedure.
The notification records that the Theatre Owners Association requested an increase in capacity because COVID-19 cases were decreasing day by day. The Government then allowed 100% seating capacity while retaining the existing operating procedure and public awareness requirement.
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Common questions
What seating capacity did the notification allow for cinemas in Tamil Nadu?
It permitted cinemas, theatres and multiplexes to increase seating capacity from 50% to 100%.
Did cinemas still have to follow COVID-19 operating procedures?
Yes. The increase to 100% seating capacity was subject to the Standard Operating Procedure already issued by the Government.
Were theatres required to show COVID-19 safety information?
Yes. COVID-19 precautionary measures had to be screened during show time to create awareness among spectators.
Which earlier government order was amended?
G.O. Ms. No. 1 amended G.O. Ms. No. 820, Revenue and Disaster Management (DM-IV) Department, dated 31 December 2020.
