After Maharashtra, Andhra now allows outside food in multiplexes
Less than a month after Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh is now allowing moviegoers to bring their own food into multiplexes. The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum (DCDRF) in Vijayawada has also ordered cinema halls to price their own offerings at the MRP or slightly above it. Though this might look like good news, how much will it benefit the people, really? Even Maharashtra has taken a U-turn.
Most multiplexes across India don't allow food from outside
Rules at multiplexes across India are a double whammy for moviegoers: for one, they aren't allowed to bring food inside the hall from outside. The only option at their disposal is buying food inside, which is often priced several times higher than they would cost outside. The DCDRF's ruling came on complaints filed by activists against dual MRPs at multiplexes.
The fight has just begun in Delhi
This fight has also started in Delhi. A lawyer has moved the Delhi HC seeking removal of restrictions on bringing own food into theaters, after she was denied permission to take her water bottle and eatables inside a hall. The HC has now issued notices to the Delhi Government, Delhi Police, Eros Inox Cinema (Jangpura), and Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India.
But Maharashtra, the motivator, is seriously confused
Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government, which apparently encouraged similar debates in other states, has been going back and forth on the matter. Last month, it announced moviegoers can bring in food from outside. Later, it said no food should be allowed inside auditoriums at all. In its latest take, it has said outside food poses a 'security threat.' A confused Bombay HC has asked it to explain why.
There might be other cons too. Smart decisions are needed
There might be other unobvious cons. Believe it or not, this might result in a noisier and more chaotic movie watching experience and a mess in halls. Business-wise, effects will surely be felt by Bollywood, with increased ticket prices giving a boost to piracy. Instead of knee-jerk reactions, we need to implement long-term workable solutions.
This would undoubtedly result in higher ticket prices
Food and beverage (F&B) is one of the most profitable segments of multiplexes. According to Mint, during 2017-18, Inox earned Rs. 306cr from F&B which cost only Rs. 74.4cr- an operating profit of 400%. In Q1 of 2018-19, PVR earned Rs. 202.71cr from F&B- 30% of its total revenue of Rs. 684.36cr. If F&B prices are regulated, multiplexes will most likely hike ticket prices.
