The Multiplex cinema chain has changed its operating procedures during air raid alerts. Screenings will continue during a yellow alert. This new approach has been made possible by the introduction of a tiered alert system: a yellow alert indicates a drone threat, whilst a red alert signifies a large-scale drone, missile or combined threat.
- Multiplex will continue to screen films during a yellow alert.
- The yellow level indicates a drone hazard.
- It will be up to the audience to decide whether to stay in the cinema.
- When the red alert is in force, work must be halted and people directed to shelters.
What’s changing for Multiplex visitors
Multiplex has announced that During a yellow air raid alert, film screenings will no longer be automatically interrupted.
In other words, audience members will be able to continue watching the film. At the same time, the decision to remain in the cinema during such a level of danger will be left to the individual.
This differs significantly from the previous procedure, under which, following the announcement of a standard air-raid alert, the performance would be halted and audience members asked to proceed to a shelter. The new rules are linked to the introduction of different levels of air threat.
What do the yellow and red alerts mean?
The Government has introduced classification of air threats at two main levels. The yellow level indicates a drone hazard, under which businesses are permitted to continue operating provided they comply with safety requirements and ensure access to shelter.
Red level This alert is issued in the event of a missile, missile-and-drone or large-scale drone threat. At this alert level, establishments must cease operations, and visitors and staff must take shelter.
A tiered warning system came into operation in Kyiv on 6 September. A yellow alert corresponds to the message «Drone danger», whilst a red alert corresponds to «Massive drone threat», «Missile threat» or «Missile and drone threat».
Why cinemas can remain open
New government regulations allow businesses and organisations to remain open during a yellow alert. However, Visitors may remain inside at their own discretion, and the premises must ensure that people can reach a shelter.
Before these changes, prolonged drone attacks could effectively bring cinema operations to a standstill for hours. Screenings were interrupted, and after a prolonged state of alert, they were sometimes not resumed at all.
A similar procedure has been introduced this week by a number of theatres in Kyiv: at yellow alert level, performances continue as normal, whilst at red alert level, they are halted and audience members are directed to shelters.
The safety rules remain in place
Continuing the session whilst the yellow alert is in force does not mean there is no danger. The yellow signal itself indicates the threat of the use or presence of attack drones, so visitors can leave the hall at any time and make their way to a shelter.
If the threat level changes to red, a stricter protocol will come into force — businesses must cease operations and people must move to a safe place. This is precisely the principle laid down in the government’s new rules for responding to air strikes.
