Capitol Cinema manager Greg Gent said the government's nationwide shut down was no shock, as theatres had also closed overseas.

"We had planned to close on Monday anyway for the safety of our patrons and our staff," Mr Gent said.

But he said the shutdown had left the cinema's 22 casuals out of work for the foreseeable future. "There were no other options for us," Mr Gent said. "We just have to get through as best as we can."

He said the business was "established" and had a loyal customer base. "We will hopefully survive the time we are out," Mr Gent said.

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