Moviegoers can carry food into multiplexes: Maharashtra government

MUMBAI: The Maharashtra government said on Friday that moviegoers cannot be stopped from carrying outside food into multiplexes, and from next month, it will impose a ban on dual MRP for packaged food and drinks.


Ravindra Chavan, junior minister for food and civil supplies, said according to the

Maharashtra Cinemas

(Regulation) Rules, 1966, cinemas cannot prohibit consumers from carrying food and action will be taken against those who do not allow it. The ban on dual pricing-the practice of charging different MRPs for the same product in different places-will be implemented from August 1. Chavan was replying to a calling attention motion moved by leader of the opposition Dhananjay Munde in the legislative council.

The measure, if implemented, will bring relief to consumers who face exorbitant charges for common snacks like popcorn and samosa, and soft drinks in multiplexes. But there is concern over whether the laws cover this issue. Senior officials from the food department who did not want to be quoted said the 1966 rules the minister is talking about are silent on taking food inside an establishment.