No outside food in theatres: SC verdict is in favour of audiences too, say exhibitors

The exhibitors not only welcomed the, order but also felt that it is in favour of the audience, in terms of providing them with a good moviegoing experience.

Popcorn served in a theatre. (Pic for representation purpose only/Creative Commons)

Such restriction on allowing outside food inside theatres has been in force since the day when the policies were framed about rules and regulations for the exhibition of movies across the country, KV Chandrashekhara, former president of Karnataka Film Chamber of Commerce (KFCC) and Exhibitors Association and proprietor of Veeresh Theatre, told South First.

“In so far as providing drinking water facilities inside cinema theatres, the local administration and the health department mandates such provisions. The rules say that potable drinking water must be provided with clear instructions for the benefit of the audience.”

“Previously, cinemas and theatres would have tap water. These days, purifiers have been installed. Hefty penalties have been imposed in the past for failing to do so,” he added.

Fixing the prices of food products

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court also clarified that the theatre owners can fix the maximum retail price (MRP) of the food products.

SC order favoured a ban on outside food in cinema halls. (Pic for representation purpose only/Creative Commons)

The law doesn’t allow the exhibitors to sell products brought from other manufacturers at above the MRP, but they can fix the price of the products prepared by themselves, such as popcorn and snacks, which are sold in canteens or cafes.

“There have been several instances where fines were imposed on theatre owners for collecting exorbitant prices for the food products that were not manufactured by them,” Chandrashekhar pointed out.

Special permission is taken from the local administration when snacks are to be cooked.

“This is why most cinema halls sell popcorn, soft drinks, and other ready-to-eat food products,” he explained.

The Madras HC ruling

Welcoming the Supreme Court order, a spokesperson of the Tamil Nadu Theatre and Multiplex Owners’ Association pointed out that the Apex court upheld the Madras High Court ruling.

“Theatres in Tamil Nadu are already providing free drinking water to the audience as per the order passed in the G Devarajan Vs Chief Secretary case,” the spokesperson told South First.

The order was passed in 2016 after G Devarajan approached the Madras High Court stating that a food stall in a cinema hall was charging higher than the MRP for water and juices.

In 2021, the Madras High Court observed that theatres must necessarily provide free, potable, and pure drinking water to cinema-goers if they are prohibited from carrying water bottles.

Nachos served in a theatre. (Pic for representation purpose only/Creative Commons)

‘Verdict favours audiences’

On how the latest Supreme Court order is in favour of the audience, Chandrashekhar wondered who would clean and maintain hygiene if someone brings a chicken dish, tobacco products or chewing gums and dump them in the cinema hall.

“Would it not put women and kids to inconvenience if a person brings alcohol into a theatre? In toto, the Supreme Court verdict aims also for the welfare of the moviegoers and not just the exhibitors,” he added.