The Ernakulam District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed a multiplex firm to display notice boards at appropriate places on its premises informing customers of the availability of free drinking water.The panel issued the order dismissing a complaint against the prohibition on bringing in food and beverages from outside at PVR Cinemas at LuLu Mall here.The complaint was filed by Sreekanth Indukkaparakkal of Kuruvattur, Kozhikode, on September 16, 2022, after he had booked tickets for a movie at a screen at the multiplex on April 21, 2022.He alleged that PVR Cinemas forced consumers to purchase food and beverages exclusively from its outlets at allegedly excessive prices, leaving no practical alternative or competitive choice by enforcing a ban on outside consumables while confining patrons within the theatre premises.He had purchased refreshments from the in-house counters that included one regular salted popcorn (90 g) and one spicy chicken burger (255 g) for a total of ₹450/- inclusive of GST (₹250 and ₹200 respectively).In its reply, PVR claimed that it operated lawfully and provided free RO (reverse osmosis)-filtered drinking water at the multiplex. The patrons are not compelled to purchase food or beverages and they may simply refrain from buying or choose to visit another cinema, it said.The prohibition on outside eatables is a standard and reasonable condition of entry—comparable to rules at amusement parks, stadiums, and theatres—grounded in safety, security, hygiene, and operational concerns (including limited turnaround time, the absence of airport-level screening, and risks such as alcohol, contraband, or inflammables), it said.The commission comprising D.B. Binu, president, and members V. Ramachandran and T.N. Sreevidya, found that there was no reliable material to show that the services of the opposite parties fell below statutory or contractual standards.The panel directed the firm to strictly comply with its undertaking and ensure the uninterrupted availability of RO-filtered drinking water to all customers during business hours within the premises. The facility shall be maintained in a clean and hygienic condition, and conspicuous notice boards shall be displayed at appropriate places on the multiplex premises informing customers of the availability of free RO-filtered drinking water.Published - September 22, 2025 08:23 pm IST