The Ernakulam District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed a multiplex firm to display notice boards at appropriate places on its premises informing customers of the availability of free drinking water.
The panel issued the order dismissing a complaint against the prohibition on bringing in food and beverages from outside at PVR Cinemas at LuLu Mall here.
The complaint was filed by Sreekanth Indukkaparakkal of Kuruvattur, Kozhikode, on September 16, 2022, after he had booked tickets for a movie at a screen at the multiplex on April 21, 2022.
He alleged that PVR Cinemas forced consumers to purchase food and beverages exclusively from its outlets at allegedly excessive prices, leaving no practical alternative or competitive choice by enforcing a ban on outside consumables while confining patrons within the theatre premises.
He had purchased refreshments from the in-house counters that included one regular salted popcorn (90 g) and one spicy chicken burger (255 g) for a total of ₹450/- inclusive of GST (₹250 and ₹200 respectively).
