Sale at MRP must at cinema joints

Government bans items without packing

Telangana Legal Metrology Department has cautioned multiplexes and cinema theatres of serious consequences if packaged goods were sold at more than MRP to customers. The Controller of Legal Metrology Department, Akun Sabharwal, further warned canteen owners not to sell unpacked food items like popcorn, ice creams etc.

Mr. Sabharwal ordered owners of multiplexes and cinema theatres to sell eatables and water at MRP. “It has become a common practice that cinema canteens sell popcorn and other food items in small, medium, big or jumbo packs. The weight and measure of each and every item should be clearly visible and should also be displayed on the board. Selling packaged commodities at prices higher than MRP is illegal.” said Mr. Sabharwal.

Mr. Sabharwal held a meeting with the owners of multiplexes and cinema theatres here at Civil Supplies on Tuesday. Representatives from PVR, Inox, Prasad, Asian, Cinepolis, Tivoli Multiplexes, Sudarshan, Sri Mayuri, Venkatadri, and Konark theatres, about 100 members, along with Theatres Canteen Association Secretary Chandra Mohan and Film Development Corporation MD Vijay, participated in the meeting.

On receiving several complaints from the public on multiplexes and cinema theatres charging more than MRP, recently the Legal Metrology Department conducted special raids and booked a few cases.

As per the Consumer Act, a bill should be compulsorily issued to the customer for every transaction and it is the responsibility of every multiplex and cinema theatre owner to ensure this. Price and weight stickers are allowed only till July 24. From September 1 onwards, it is mandatory to print price on the goods.

Mr Sabharwal has warned that if theatres and multiplexes are found violating rules, strong action will be taken against them and a heavy penalty will be levied. He requested the public to lodge a complaint if they found any violation of rules or the theatres charging more than MRP.

The complaint can be lodged on the toll-free number 180042500333 or Whats App at 7330774444.