There is good news for cinema-goers in Telangana. Beginning August 1, food items and beverages sold in cinema theatres will be available at MRP (maximum retail price). The Legal Metrology will slap heavy penalties on those selling refeshments over and above the MRP.
First-time offenders will be slapped a fine of Rs 25,000. Subsequent violations would attract fines of Rs 50,000 and Rs 1 lakh. The offenders might even face a jail term of six to 12 months.
All food items and beverages sold in single-screen cinema halls and in multiplexes should prominently display prices and quantities on the products. The prices should be the same as the prices of the products sold outside the theatres. The department will launch a special drive in theatres in Hyderabad on August 2 and 3 to see whether the rules are adhered to or not.
The department has sent notices to the theatre managements, asking them to conform to the new rules from August 1. While the shops in the theatres are allowed to print stickers on the packets (other than the branded goods) till August 30, beginning September 1, they should have the details printed on the product wrappers.
The details should include the price, name of the product, weight, manufacturer and customer care contact information. Legal Metrology Controller, Akun Sabharwal, held a meeting on Sunday with department officials from all the districts on the issue. “If there is a change in the price of the product, it should be corrected as and when the change happens,” a department official said.
Aggrieved consumers can lodge complaints at 180042500333, or through WhatsApp at 7330774444. The managements have been asked to display these numbers prominently in the theatres.