Australia’s leading cinema chains Hoyts, Event and Village will be closing today

23^rd March 2020

Australia’sleading cinema chains Village Roadshow, Event Hospitality & Entertainment and Hoyts will be closing their cinema doors following an Australian government mandated shutdown as a result of the impact of COVID-19. Other Australian cinemas such as Reading, Palace and Dendy also closing their cinemas.

On Sunday, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a ramp-up in measures to combat the spread of COVID-19, including closing non essential services.

NSW premier Gladys Berejiklian and Victoria premier Daniel Andrews also announced a shutdown of all non-essential services in their states.

Cinemas are among a list of non-essential services being shutdown, including pubs, clubs and churches.

Village, Hoyts  and Event will be closing their cinemas from 12 noon Monday.  Village is also closing its theme parks, Warner Bros Movie World, Wet 'n' Wild and Sea World, as well as mini-golf venue Topgolf.

“Village Cinemas has reviewed the advice and guidance of the Australian Government over the past week and the more recent announcements from Prime Minister Scott Morrison, the National Cabinet and Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews regarding non-essential gatherings. This has forced the difficult decision to temporarily close all our cinema locations effective from 12pm on Monday March 23, 2020”  said Kirk Edwards, CEO – Village Entertainment.

Palace Cinema also took ann early decision to  temporarily close all Palace Cinema locations from Thursday the 19th of March for an indefinite period to protect both our staff and patrons.