Customers Cannot Be Restricted From Carrying Own Food To Movie Theaters: Hyderabad Police In RTI Reply

In an RTI query, the Hyderabad City police have said that multiplexes and theatres will not have the right to restrict movie-goers from carrying food and water to the cinema hall.

The police, responding to the RTI query filed by Hyderabad-based anti-corruption activist Vijay Gopal, clarified that the law does not restrict viewers from carrying food and water to a cinema hall. If someone is restricting the viewers, then a complaint can be filed with the Legal Metrology Department reported The News Minute.

The Cinema Regulation Act of 1995 states that a customer cannot be restricted from carrying their snack box or water bottles to a cinema hall. However, despite the law, most multiplexes cite security issues as the reason behind not allowing customers to take their food and beverages.

Vijay Gopal had filed a complaint with the Hyderabad Consumer Forum two years ago, following which INOX multiplex was ordered to pay up ₹5,000, and another ₹1,000 to him for charging extra on water bottles.

It was then noted by the forum that there cannot be two MRPs for the same bottle. Inox was directed not to continue the unfair trade practice.

One Can Carry Their Own 3D Glasses

The recent RTI response also claimed that single-screen theatres cannot charge a customer for providing 3D glasses. However, some multiplexes are allowed to levy a charge for 3D glasses while screening 3D movies, as per the representations and GOs that the government issues.

There is also no provision to restrict one from carrying their 3D glasses to a theatre if they do not want to pay for it. Since no stand-alone theatre provides any bill or receipt for charging extra, a complaint can be submitted to the legal metrology department regarding the same.

In the RTI response, the police said that any information regarding standard ticket prices cannot be published on any website since it pertains to third-party information. However, it has also clarified that some theatres can collect extra money on tickets during big movie releases.

The RTI response also said that in Hyderabad, single-screen/multiplexes can collect the extra amount for the first two-three weeks as per the High Court’s respective orders.

The theatre owners have been given permission by the court to increase the rates since the government is yet to frame any guidelines on the price hike.

Also Read: Maharashtra Govt Allows Moviegoers To Carry Outside Food Inside Multiplexes, Theatres