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City officials have shuttered the Ritz Five Movie Theater in Old City due to city fire code violations.
A “cease operations” sign was posted on the building’s door on Tuesday.
The city’s Licenses & Inspections Department reported several code violations from the theater back in March.
The report said that the theater’s owner, Landmark Theatres, which was purchased by Cohen Media Group in 2018, needed to obtain an electrical permit to install a fire alarm system with a shunt switch – which would shut off electricity to audio equipment when the alarm is triggered – and that curtains and drapes needed to be proven fire-retardant and moved to allow access to exit doors and passageways.
Additionally, the city said the theater does not have the proper food permit to sell food on its premises and must obtain it to continue operating.
The city called on the theater to “make necessary repairs and take necessary action” before April 22, 2026.
The theater failed another inspection on August 11 – with the same seven open violations still unresolved.
The city’s “cease operations” sign says the theater has not taken appropriate action to obtain an electrical permit and install a fire alarm system in the building.
A sign on the door reads: “Attention all customers. Until further notice, we are closed and cannot serve any customers until we resolve this matter. We are deeply sorry for the inconvenience. Please consult the customer service information or your ticket email, to get a refund.”
Philadelphia Redditors expressed disappointment over the closure – but cited alleged problems with the theater like mice, filth, and A/C issues.
Many users also seemed confused by the closure, saying they had bought tickets for upcoming showings and hadn’t received communication yet.
