Daijiworld Media Network - Hyderabad (SHP)
Hyderabad, Dec 10: The Hyderabad City police, in an RTI query, have declared that multiplexes and theatres are in no way allowed to restrict movie-goers from carrying food and water bottles to the cinema hall.
In the past a Hyderabad-based anti-corruption activist, Vijay Gopal had filed an RTI query against INOX over disallowing him to carry water bottles in the cinema hall. Referring to the same RTI query the police clarified there are no curbs by law to carry food and water, and a complaint can be filed with the Legal Metrology Department who will check if there is any violation of the law.
Under the Cinema Regulation Act of 1955, there are no restrictions in letting a customer carry his snack box or water bottles. However, several multiplexes forbid the customers from carrying their food or beverages citing security issues.
Two years back, after Gopal had filed a complaint with the Hyderabad Consumer Forum, INOX multiplex was ordered to pay over Rs 5,000, along with another Rs 1,000 to Gopal for charging extra on water bottles. The forum observed that INOX was charging different prices for the same brand of water bottles. The forum then ordered INOX to discontinue the unfair trade practice.