The Rialto ready to reopen, help moviegoers enjoy film experience while staying safe

The decision on when you can go back to the movie theaters rests with Gov. Roy Cooper. The Rialto on Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh -- like many other movie theaters in our state -- is ready to reopen and welcome back moviegoers.

Posted 2:27 a.m. May 15, 2020 — Updated 2:57 a.m. May 15, 2020

Julian Grace

, WRAL anchor/reporter

RALEIGH, N.C. — The decision on when you can go back to the movie theaters rests with Gov. Roy Cooper. The Rialto on Glenwood Avenue in Raleigh — like many other movie theaters in our state — is ready to reopen and welcome back moviegoers.

Theaters in North Carolina are not scheduled to reopen until Phase 2, which at the earliest could possibly be next Friday.

“In the auditorium we have roped off every other row," said Bill Peebles, owner of The Rialto.

But once they come, they will be at least six feet apart.

“You just don’t play around with this stuff," Peebles said.

Looking around The Rialto, you can tell social distancing is standard practice now around the theater.

“We are six feet apart in all directions, we can have six humans in the lobby at a time," Peebles said.

The signs are posted and plexiglass around concessions will soon be erected. Everyone who enters must wear a mask. If you want to get a refill on a new drink, you'll be handed a new cup. It's just a step to avoid transmission.

“If you want to argue with us, we hope you don’t mind waiting to see your movie on Netflix,” Peebles said.

Speaking of waiting, movie theaters across North Carolina are waiting on Cooper to give the green light on the second phase of the reopening. That’s when theaters can finally open their doors, with limits on capacity.

“They study this entire event daily and they know far more than I do," Peebles said. "I would be wise to listen to what they have to say.”

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