In a recent Ernakulam District Consumer Disputes Redressal hearing, the Commission has ordered multiplex theatres to ensure the uninterrupted availability of Reverse Osmosis (RO)-filtered drinking water to all customers during business hours.
How Did This Happen?
Moving ahead the commission said that the facility must be maintained in a clean and hygienic condition reportedly.
Besides this, the conspicuous notice boards should inform customers about the availability of free filtered water.
This directive came after a complaint in April 2022 by I Sreekanth, a Kozhikode resident, who alleged that banning outside food while charging high prices for items inside constituted an unfair trade practice.
All this came into picture when Sreekanth had booked a ticket for ‘KGF Chapter-2’ at PVR Cinemas in Lulu Mall.
He purchased popcorn and a chicken burger from the theatre counter.
In its defence, PVR argued that prohibiting outside food was a reasonable and standard condition which is communicated in advance, and necessary for safety, hygiene, and security.
According to them, allowing outside items could risk the entry of alcohol, narcotics, or inflammable materials and disrupt theatre operations.
Moreover, the company has compared these restrictions to the practices at amusement parks, stadiums, and restaurants.
Availability Of Free Purified Drinking Water
Besides this, the management further clarified that customers were not compelled to buy food, drinking-water bottles were never restricted, and RO-purified water was already provided free of charge.
The bench, which was composed of President D B Binu and members V Ramachandran and T N Srividya has dismissed the complaint while noting that the complainant failed to provide supporting evidence.
In addition to this, the court cited the Supreme Court’s ruling upholding theatre owners’ right to prohibit outside food.
The commission recorded PVR’s written assurance that free purified drinking water would continue to be available without obstruction while rejecting the complaint.
In its directive, the court said that the theatre should maintain the facility with proper cleanliness and display signboards informing customers about the availability of free drinking water.
