Landmark Ritz Five is closed after failing city inspections
In March, the Ritz was cited for several violations by the city’s Department of Licenses and Inspections. On Aug. 11, the theater again failed an inspection.
Landmark Ritz Five movie theater is closed after failing inspections by the city’s Department of Licenses and Inspections.
On Wednesday morning, the theater’s website posted that the location was temporarily closed “due to administrative issues.”
The theater at 214 Walnut St. was found in violation of several city codes in March, and the theater failed a follow-up inspection on Aug. 11, according to a city online portal.
March’s violations include failure to: obtain a permit to install a fire alarm system, share documentation that fabrics are flame retardant, ensure that exit doors fully “self-close and latch,” and certify emergency lighting. The theater was also found to be missing a valid food license. In total, the theater was issued seven violations in March.
A city notice posted to the theater doors on Wednesday said the theater needed to obtain an electrical permit and install a fire alarm system.
A representative for Landmark Theatres did not immediately share a comment on the closure and inspections on Wednesday.
When the Philadelphia theater was inspected in March, it was ordered to remedy the violations by April 22 or face fines. The violations each carry their own fines, totaling $2,800. The department charges the code violation fines on a daily basis. The theater can also be ordered to pay additional fines related to the violations.
The roughly 13,0000-square-foot theater was founded in 1976 with three screens, according to the theater’s website. Today, it has five projection screens.
Philadelphia was once home to three Landmark Ritz theaters, known for showing independent and documentary films alongside mainstream releases. But the theaters at the Bourse and East are now operated by the Philadelphia Film Society while only Ritz Five remains under Landmark’s umbrella.
No showtimes were listed for Wednesday on the theater’s website. As of Wednesday morning, tickets could still be purchased online for Thursday viewings of The Odyssey, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, and Tony, among other movies.
Landmark Theatres was purchased by Cohen Media Group in 2018. The Landmark Theatres brand has several locations across the country, including theaters in Arizona, California, and Florida.
