COVID FAQs -
Frequently Asked Questions for NSC - 22nd December 2021
This information is for customers who plan to visit Newton Stewart Cinema.
Q. Do I have to wear a face covering in NSC?
A. Yes - It is mandatory to wear face coverings in cinemas, although there are exemptions for some people. It is reasonable to remove a face covering when you need to eat and drink. If you wear a face visor/shield you are asked to also wear a face covering, as a visor is not considered to offer sufficient protection. Please see official face coverings guidance.
Q. Will seats in the cinema be socially distanced?
A. Yes, we are complying with social distancing as mandated by the Scottish Government, and we have created specific seating plans for each screening that meet these distancing requirements. Seats are allocated on booking.
Please note: Our current seating plans are based on Scottish Government one metre physical distancing regulations. If the rules on distancing in cinemas change to one metre physical distancing, we will redraw the seating plan to allow more seats to be booked, and reallocate seating.
Q. Can I buy tickets at the Box Office?
A. Yes - but we recommend buying tickets online as this guarantees you will get a ticket. We envisage most tickets will be sold online before the screening as there is reduced capacity.
Q. Can I buy tickets online or at Box Office up until the start time of the film screening?
A. You can buy tickets from the Box Office up until the film start time, and online up until 15 minutes before the film starts. However, it is worth noting that tickets are on a first come, first served basis and - especially whilst we are operating at a reduced capacity - we cannot guarantee ticket availability up until the film start time and would recommend purchasing tickets in advance.
Q. Will there be hand sanitiser available for customers to use at NSC?
A. Yes hand sanitiser stations are available for customers to use throughout NSC. You will be asked to use these when entering NSC. Please use these as/when needed while visiting NSC.
Q. Will face coverings be available at NSC if I forget to bring one or I don’t have one?
A. No - you must bring your own face covering to NSC
Q. Will I be allowed to enter if I don’t provide my contact details?
A. No, all customers must enter their contact details when buying online or over the counter at Box Office, in order for us to be able to provide details to Test and Protect if necessary.
Q. Why is there no NSC brochure or ‘Weeklies’ leaflet showing the film listings?
A. We are currently not producing or having any paper in the building for customers to pick up, to avoid any contamination. As we are now programming on a shorter rolling basis we are not, for the foreseeable future, producing any NSC brochures.
Q. Can I bring my own food and drink to NSC to consume during a screening?
A. No food or drink from outside Newton Stewart Cinema is allowed to be consumed.
Q. Can I buy food and drink at NSC to consume during a screening?
A. Yes - our cafe will be open and offering drinks and snacks, as before, for you to take into the cinema. The staff are behind Perspex screens.
Q. How often will the films being screened be updated?
A. Our initial programme runs from 25 June to 22 July and going forward will cover a four-week period.
Q. What are the new opening hours of NSC?
A. To view our current programme please visit our online booking page here.
Q. I have access requirements and/or will need assistance during my visit to NSC.
A. Please email boxoffice@nscinema.co.uk to let us know if you require any assistance with access including use of the lift for your visit. If you require a wheelchair space and carer ticket, please email with your contact details including telephone number so we can call you back to help with your booking.
Q. Can I sit beside someone from my household?
A. Yes, we encourage those who can group together in one bubble to book tickets accordingly. This will help the Cinema while we are forced to operate at limited capacity.
Q. I have been shielding / am vulnerable - can I have more space around me in the cinema?
A. Our seating plans currently have allowed for 1 metre around the chosen seats so this would be guaranteed during your visit, should you choose to attend.
Q. Will the staff be wearing face masks?
A. Yes, as per the Scottish Government's current advice, unless they are behind perspex in the Box Office and café.
Q. How often is the cinema cleaned?
A. The cinema is cleaned between every screening and we have allowed a minimum of 30 minutes between shows for the new enhanced cleaning routine to be carried out. We also have separate covid deep cleaning that takes place on a regular basis.
Q. I don’t have contactless / I can’t pay by card.
A. We encourage contactless payment whenever possible but will accept cash if you can’t pay by card.
Q. Can I arrive early?
A. You should aim to arrive at NSC no earlier than 20 minutes before the start.
Q. Can I arrive late (after trailers)?
A. Yes, as it is allocated seating, however no one will be admitted 15 minutes after the start of the film to avoid disturbing other cinema-goers. If you attend the cinema and the film has already started, we may choose to seat you in socially distanced seat nearer to the entrance of the cinema to lessen disruption to others, subject to seating availability.
Q. What should I do if I feel unwell whilst in the building?
A. We ask that you speak to the nearest member of staff who will inform the Duty Manager who will come and attend to you.
Q. I am exhibiting symptoms of Covid-19 but have pre-booked tickets. Should I still attend? Will I get my money back?
A. No you should not attend the cinema. Please either email boxoffice@nscinema.co.uk or call 01671 403333 and a member of staff will assist you.
Q. I don't like the seats I have. Can I change them when I get in to the cinema or when the film starts?
A. To ensure that we are complying with proper social distancing as mandated by the Scottish Government, and to ensure thorough cleaning between performances, we have created specific seating plans for each screening. If we can reassign you a seat that is within the seating plan, we are very happy to do so. Please ask a member of the Box Office staff to assist you with this. If the screening is sold to capacity, we will be unable to assign a new seat, and we ask that you please keep the health and safety of your fellow audience members in mind and you must not move seats.
Q. I still have questions or concerns about visiting NSC - who can I speak to?
A. We will have staff throughout NSC to answer questions and keep you safe. If you want to ask something not covered on this page, you can send any questions or concerns to boxoffice@nscinema.co.uk