Rat Infestation Closes AMC 11 Theaters At Newport Mall In Jersey City: Officials

JERSEY CITY, NJ — A rat infestation spurred Jersey City officials to close the 11 AMC theaters at the Newport Centre Mall on Wednesday, a spokesperson confirmed.

"A city inspector closed the AMC movie theater yesterday due to a rat infestation," said Jersey City spokeswoman Kimberly Wallace-Scalcione on Thursday. "The theater owner was cited for the presence of rodents and multiple outer openings allowing a rodents entry source."

After all of the violations are abated, the owners will owe a $100 inspection fee, Wallace-Scalcione said. Going forward, the property must be exterminated once per week.

A follow up inspection will take place this Friday, and then the city will determine the next steps, she said.

"We apologize for the inconvenience, but this theatre is temporarily closed due to unforeseen maintenance. Please continue to check back here for updates," says a note on the theater website.

The Newport Centre Mall, located near the Hudson River waterfront and Newport PATH station, is popular with New York City residents who can take the train there for lower (3.5 percent) sales tax.

Parts of Hudson County have been grappling with a rat problem, including neighboring Hoboken, which has already given away 1,500 lidded trash containers to business owners and residents this week to combat infestations. READ MORE: Hoboken Gives Away Trash Cans To Combat Rat Problem

Among other upcoming shows, the multiplex will be hosting several showings of the Taylor Swift The Eras Tour concert film starting Friday, Oct. 13 — if they reopen on time.

Patch will update the story when the theater plans to reopen.