East Providence Cinemas Boarded Up and Padlocked

East Providence Cinemas is now boarded up — and padlocked.

The shuttering marks the latest in the saga of the second-run, low-cost movie theater.

As GoLocal was first to report in January, the cinema on Newport Avenue was shut down by police with moviegoers escorted out — due to a bounced check to the city.

The city later said the cinema would be allowed to reopen, but as of Saturday there was no sign of operation at the cinema.

The doors were boarded and padlocked, and the Cinemas' website shows no showtimes, but does state, "SHOWTIMES COMING SOON!!! While you're here, please sign up for our FREE weekly newsletter to get all the latest news from East Providence 10." The company has closed its Facebook page.

As GoLocal previously reported:

According to a letter from the City of East Providence to owner Ben Kafash, the cinema was shut down due to insufficient funds.

“We received check number 1683 returned for, “Reason A - Not Sufficient Funds” from Bank of America. The check is in the amount of $9,250.00 and was dated December 17, 2019,” wrote the City.

The City continued, “Because of this, we have no other alternative than to issue a Cease and Desist in which your business, East Providence 10, LLC, is to remain closed until proper payment has been received by the City of East Providence.”

The City adds that the theater can reopen once a payment is received and a renewal license is issued.

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East Providence 10

About East Providence 10 Cinema, Cinema Treasures write the following:

"Opened in the 1960s as the Four Seasons Cinemas with just two screens, showing first-run attractions either exclusively in the greater Providence area or else day/dating with other area theatres. They had 70mm projection capability. From time to time they played first-run art-house fare. Additional screening rooms were added over the years until a major overhaul a few years ago made it into a 10-screen multiplex.

A great place to see recent films at low prices in a fairly luxurious ambience after their first-run engagements. This East Providence (Rumford) theatre is near the Pawtucket city line and is the city’s only currently active movie theatre. Operated by Patriot Cinemas as a discount second run multiplex, it was next operated by the Cinema Holdings Group. In 2013 it is operated by Empire Cineplex Cinemas."

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