Hyderabad: The skyrocketing prices of non-packed food items like samosas, popcorn, sandwiches, pizzas, ice cream sold at multiplexes without MRP is burning a hole in the pockets of film fans.
Mr Vijay Gopal, an anti-corruption activist says, “Many of the multiplexes are charging exorbitantly for food items. A consumer should always be aware that there are two types of items sold at multiplexes. First one are the packed items which has MRP printed on it and the second one are unpacked items like popcorn, samosas etc.”
But in every multiplex stall owners are charging more than MRP even on packed items.
“I was angered by this policy of multiplexes and filed a case with the consumer forum. The Hyderabad Consumer Forum has awarded the judgment in my favour and has given 40 days to every multiplex and single screen theatres in the city to fall in line and not charge packed items above MRP.”
When this correspondent visited some multiplexes to check the prices of non-packed food items a pop corn vendor said, “I am employed with this stall. The owner doesn't come here everyday, but we have to give him accounts at the end of the day. The prices vary for popcorn buckets from Rs150 to Rs 300.”
He added, “The prices are inflated because of the rent. This space is given on rent to the stall owner by the multiplex owner and in order to recover the rent they charge more. The same item is available at half the cost if they purchase outside but outside eatables are not allowed in theatres,” said the vendor.
Mr M. Jagan Reddy the assistant registrar at consumer forum said, “The forum has sent notices to multiplexes and single screens 15 days ago not to charge above MRP. We have given them 40 days to implement the order. For unpacked food items the policy should be framed by the government under the Food Regulation Act.”
“The consumer forum or legal metrology department can act only if someone is charging extra over MRP on packed products, but in the case of unpacked food items there is still no regulation from the government. The courts haven't ordered anything regarding unpacked food items sold at higher price,” noted the assistant registrar.
