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Cuba bans privately run cinemas

02 November 2013 21:58 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. Cuba has ordered privately run cinemas and video game salons to stop operating immediately for being unauthorised, APA reports quoting CNN.

The communist authorities closed dozens of home-based film and gaming parlors on Saturday that were not explicitly prohibited until the day.

A government statement issued through official media said "the showing of movies, including in 3D salons, and likewise the organisation of computer games, has never been authorised."

Many private cinema operators spent thousands of dollars to launch their businesses, which range from modest to flashy and offer the latest Hollywood blockbusters and fast-paced video games.

"Economically, this really hurts us. This (business) was a relief for the family," said Orlando Suarez, San Rafael 3D cinema owner. "We don't understand why they didn't give us a window of time instead of taking this stance of 'close down now.'"

Private theatres have become increasingly popular as an alternative to poorly maintained state-run cinemas.

"Young people need these salons," said Rafael Gonzalez, a 53-year-old father of five. "They spend time there instead of being on the streets."