Thiruvananthapuram Mayor, theatre owners discuss food pricing, safety norms

Thiruvananthapuram Mayor V.V. Rajesh on Wednesday held discussions with theatre owners as part of the civic body's ongoing efforts to address complaints about high food and beverage prices at cinemas located in malls and multiplexes.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the Mayor acknowledged that the Corporation has limited legal scope to directly regulate pricing. However, he said a set of recommendations has been put forward for theatre managements to implement.

Among the key suggestions, theatres have been asked to install drinking water dispensers with tumblers near all exit points of cinema halls. The Corporation also raised concerns over reports that some theatres were not allowing food for children to be carried inside, and insisted that such restrictions should be removed.

Further, the civic body has stipulated that only women employees should be permitted to check women's bags at entry points.

Rajesh noted that several pricing-related grievances were received during the Onam season. While direct price control remains outside the Corporation's purview, he said inspections will be carried out to ensure that theatres comply with the conditions agreed upon at the time of license issuance or renewal.

He also pointed out that some theatres had removed fire and safety equipment after obtaining licenses and had installed additional seating in those spaces. The Corporation has directed that theatres engage only approved waste collection agencies.

The Mayor said another meeting with theatre owners has been scheduled after 15 days, giving them time to make the necessary operational changes based on the Corporation's recommendations.