After being locked out of all forms of entertainment for the past seven weeks due to numerous Executive Orders from State officials during the Coronavirus pandemic, Drive-in Theater fans were excited to hear that the Hi-Way Drive-in near Sandusky was planning to open this weekend. Business-owners had spent hours preparing and making phone calls to make sure they were within the guidelines. Movies were selected and safety precautions were in place. Plans called for the Drive-In to operate at half capacity with only 200 cars allowed for social distancing. There were four portable restrooms added to the theater to take the pressure off the bathrooms. There would be online sales for concessions and tickets and employees would wear masks and gloves. A cloud of uncertainty lingers over the business, east of Sandusky, as an extension has been made to at least the end of May for theaters to remain closed. However, it is unclear if Drive-Ins fall in that category. Willful violations of the Stay Home, Stay Safe executive order can result in a $500 fine and/or 90 days in jail for each offense, as well as licensing penalties for businesses and other entities, according to the Attorney General’s Office.The Hi-Way Drive-In opened in 1947 and is Michigan’s oldest remaining drive-in movie theater.
