The movie theatre chain has become the latest victim of the Covid pandemic, with the company citing that its operations had faced “unavoidable and devastating pressure”.

“We regret to announce that UA Cinemas will cease business with immediate effect from 8 March 2021 due to unavoidable and devastating pressure faced by our operations since the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic,” a sign taped outside its movie theatre read.

Founded by late American businessman Ira Kaye in 1985, the movie theater chain opened its first cinema in Sha Tin’s New Town Plaza before expanding to major malls including Times Square in Causeway Bay and Telford Plaza in Kowloon Bay.

Its cinema across the city had been the theater of choice for many locals to grab buttery popcorn and enjoy blockbuster films.

However, UA Cinemas had seen a number of closures in recent years, having some of its theatres taken over by other local theatre giants MCL and Broadway Circuit, including the original Sha Tin location and the theatre in Tai Koo’s Cityplaza mall.

The chain had six remaining theatres across Hong Kong, including Times Square in Causeway Bay, Moko shopping center in Mong Kok, Maritime Square in Tsing Yi, Citygate Outlets in Tung Chung, and Megabox and Amoy Plaza in Kowloon Bay.

Winding up proceedings have begun in the Hong Kong courts, according to official message.

The company had also yet to announce any follow-up arrangements on ticket refunds.