Italian cinemas face collapse as mask mandate drives audiences away

Italy's cinemas are experiencing a catastrophic decline in attendance, with numbers down 60% compared to pre-pandemic levels, while the rest of Europe has recovered to a 30% drop. The ongoing mask mandate for indoor cinemas and theaters is blamed for driving audiences away, as masks are no longer required in restaurants or at outdoor events. Mario Lorini, president of Anec (the association of cinema operators), has published an open letter calling for the immediate removal of the obligation, noting that even nightclubs have been mask-free since April 1. The government's current plan to lift the mandate in mid-June is seen as too late to save the summer season. The article argues that the rule is epidemiologically inconsistent, as cinemas are large, often empty spaces where patrons sit in silence, unlike crowded restaurants. Without urgent action, hundreds of cultural businesses face closure.