Thiruvananthapuram, Sep 9 (PTI) The Thiruvananthapuram Corporation on Wednesday directed theatres in the capital city to provide free drinking water to moviegoers and address various complaints, including those related to food prices.
Mayor V V Rajesh said the Corporation did not have the authority to regulate prices of food products sold inside theatres, but had directed theatre owners to ensure free drinking water for visitors.
The mayor held discussions with theatre owners amid widespread complaints about exorbitant prices being charged for food items at theatres, particularly those located inside malls.
“Children should not be prevented from carrying food items inside theatres. Parking facilities should be provided, and licensing norms should not be violated. There will be no compromise from the Corporation on these issues,” Rajesh told a press conference here later.
Theatre owners in the city have been given 15 days to rectify violations, after which Corporation squads will conduct inspections, he said.
Rajesh directed theatre managements to ensure that body and bag checks were conducted with due caution and said women should be frisked only by female staff.
“Any action that infringes on the dignity of people coming to watch movies cannot be accepted,” he said.
He said adequate parking facilities should be provided at theatre premises and there would be no compromise on fire and safety norms.
The mayor said several licensing requirements were being violated and directed theatre owners to rectify the shortcomings.
The development comes a day after state Food and Civil Supplies Minister Anoop Jacob warned of strict action against those altering the quantity, weight or price of products sold in theatres in the state.
The Legal Metrology department has conducted inspections at cinema theatres in malls following complaints of overcharging for food items.
Rajesh had recently said he was receiving frequent complaints about theatres charging excessive prices for movie tickets and food items. PTI LGK SSK
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