Metro Vancouver drive-in says B.C.’s 50 vehicle limit for events doesn’t apply to theatre

ALDERGROVE (NEWS 1130) — A ban on drive-in events limiting cars to 50 doesn’t apply to the Lower Mainland’s only drive-in movie theatre, which drew 200 cars Saturday night.

The Twilight Drive-in has remained open throughout the pandemic, cutting its capacity in half and introducing social distancing measures at the concession.

Because it is a theatre, and not a pop-up event the drive-in says newly announced limits don’t apply.

“The word ‘events’ in the release would indicate that these new restrictions were created in response to, and for, a number of proposed temporary pop-up parking lot drive-in and concert events, as they would lack the proper infrastructure and facilities – and not for the pre-existing, ongoing, permanent brick and mortar licensed drive-in theatres that were allowed to operate (with social distancing protocols in place) during Phase 1,” reads a statement from a spokesperson.

RELATED: Aldergrove’s Twilight drive-in given the go-ahead to stay open after visit from bylaw officers

Friday, health officials announced the ban on gatherings of more than 50 people was revised to limit vehicles at events.

“The order has been amended to also include no more than 50 vehicles for outdoor drive-in events, with a restriction on the sale of refreshments,” says a joint statement from Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and Health Minister Adrian Dix.

“Anyone attending these events must stay in their cars unless they have to go to washrooms, which must be serviced with running water for proper hand hygiene.”

This announcement meant some event organizers will have to scale back their plans.

Howard Blank, CEO of Point Blank Entertainment hosts 80 events annually.

He says he understands the bans ensure everyone’s safety.

“We understand that it’s devastating to many including ourselves, with that limitation imposed. But at the same time, we understand that there has to be security with health [officials] that there is very little chance of an outbreak” Blank explains.

Although he doesn’t anticipate organizing large scale events for at least another year, he hopes following the rules successfully, means businesses can be permitted some flexibility down the line.

“We think there’s an opportunity for us to show our model in that 50 vehicle space. We believe because it is a living, breathing order that perhaps we will be successful with moving forward with growing our business model.”