Company planning drive-in cinema nights in Milton Keynes hits out at government's 'illogical' Tier 4 restrictions

Shortly after the Tier 4 announcement on December 19, the government made drive-in events exempt from Tier 4 restrictions - and even stated this on their website.

Nightflix, the company organising drive-in cinema evenings at MK Bowl, promptly reassured ticketholders that their entirely Covid-safe screenings could go ahead as planned.

But the following day, Christmas Eve, the Government stated a typo had been made within their own published guidance. This meant that in Tier 4 locations, drive-in events would beincluded and closed under Tier 4 area restrictions.

Ben Stonehouse, CEO of Nightflix, said: This changing of guidance has meant a constant back and forth for us, our customers, and our staff. As well as letting down our customers, the mental wellbeing of staff has been jeopardised, as due to these constantly changing guidelines they have been continuously on and off work and furlough.

"Our customers wanted an opportunity to experience Covid-safe Christmas entertainment, before having it suddenly withdrawn on Christmas Eve as we have had to cancel experiences for thousands of people shortly after telling them we’re going ahead."

He added: "While we sympathise with the Government’s need to adapt to constantly changing situations with the pandemic, this lack of acknowledgement of the safety measures we have put in place at our drive-in locations to keep people protected and safe, means we are hugely disappointed with the latest outcome. It seems illogical that outdoor drive-in events have been advised to close to prevent unnecessary travel when guests don’t leave their car – but people are still allowed to drive to and play on driving ranges for golf and in archery centres, and to areas of outstanding natural beauty for walks and sightseeing.

"We are truly sorry to have to let down our customers in this manner due to this latest set of Government guidance. All affected customers have been notified and tickets for screenings impacted by Tier 4 restrictions are being converted to tickets for future openings.”

The intended screenings would have been totally safe, said Mr Stonehouse.

"We would like to highlight that our events are completely Covid-safe, and our customers’ experience is absolutely zero contact – they don’t even have to roll down their windows. From contactless check-in (as our staff check numberplates instead of tickets) to contactless sound instructions, for which customers read instructions from the cinema screen, you remain entirely with your household in your car."