Kerala to Keep Up Cinema Food Inspections Amid Overpricing Complaints

The Kerala government has directed that inspections of food and beverage sales at cinemas and multiplexes continue at routine intervals, even when no specific complaint has been lodged. The move follows a stream of grievances regarding inflated prices at such venues.

Food and Civil Supplies Minister Anoop Jacob said the government is compelled to act when complaints surface, describing the examination of such matters as a standard procedure. He noted that inspections have already produced results in some districts: a fine was imposed in one instance in Ernakulam, and a First Information Report was registered in another. Checks in Kozhikode found no violations, while inspections were still underway in Thiruvananthapuram.

The Minister outlined the legal framework for action. Where displayed price lists exist but consumers are charged more, penal action can be taken. If price lists are absent, fines or improvement notices may be issued. For unbranded items like pizzas, burgers, tea, or popcorn sold at exorbitant rates, the government is prepared to file cases in consumer courts. The District Supply Officer has been authorised to initiate such proceedings.

Jacob acknowledged the difficulty in detecting violations, as many outlets display prices correctly and bill accordingly. He framed the inspections as a warning that the government will step in when complaints arise. He also stressed that cinemas should sell food at reasonable prices, and mentioned that the department is looking into instances where soft drinks are served in disposable glasses at prices exceeding the rates fixed by the manufacturers.