Drive-ins to re-open with safer outdoor entertainment and dining options
Written by Site Hub on May 16, 2020
From this weekend, all New York state drive-ins can re-open. As previously reported, health and other state officials had been hoping to eventually re-open drive-ins as a safer alternative to enclosed movie theaters and sit-down restaurants.
The Queens’ Bel Aire Diner, however, had already received permission to start offering drive-in services. So far, it has been a success. The diner’s owners converted their large parking lot into a drive-in with a 25-foot elevated screen. It can handle approximately 30 to 40 vehicles. The diner is also continuing to offer food services in a take-out capacity. Visitors who order food online can provide their vehicle license plate and car color so that the diner’s staff can deliver their food while they watch movies. Visitors are asked to stay in or near their vehicles at all times.
Locally, the Vintage Drive-In in Avon will re-open on Thursday, May 21. The Sunset Drive-in in Middleport doesn’t yet have a re-opening date, but the Democrat & Chronicle confirmed that it will soon offer film screenings and private events.
At the Silver Lake Twin Drive-In in Perry, workers will wear masks and gloves and the drive-in will only accept half of its normal capacity of vehicles with cars parked 10-12 feet apart. All visitors must follow social distancing protocols when leaving their vehicles. Upcoming movies include Trolls: World Tour (PG), Jumanji: The Next Level (PG13), The Invisible Man (R) and Bad Boys for Life (R). Staff are also currently booking private events.
Sources:
