Underweight popcorn, short-measure tea: 26 cases registered at Kerala cinemas, Rs 62,000 in fines

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A joint surprise inspection by the Legal Metrology, Food Safety and Civil Supplies departments at cinema theatres across Kerala resulted in 26 cases being registered, fines totalling Rs 62,000 being imposed and five show-cause notices being issued. The inspections were conducted on the directions of Minister Anoop Jacob following complaints that drinking water was not being ensured at theatres, excessive prices were being charged and price information was not being displayed.

In Kozhikode, a notice was issued to Surabhi Theatre in Ramanattukara for failing to record the manufacturer's details on packets. A case was registered against Mallika Plex in Cheruvannur, Feroke, for selling popcorn 7.5 grams short of the stated weight of 60 grams.

At Archana Complex in Payyanur, popcorn sold as weighing 65 grams was found to weigh only 52 grams. A fine of Rs 10,000 was imposed. At A.K. Cine Palace in Cherupuzha, popcorn labelled as 60 grams weighed only 42 grams, attracting a fine of Rs 5,000.

At Dev Cinemas in Kanichar, popcorn labelled as 50 grams weighed only 35 grams. A case was also registered against SJ's G CINEMAS in Ulikkal for failing to have its weighing machine stamped.

At Dhanya and Ramya theatres in Kottayam, popcorn labelled as 55 grams weighed only 48.6 grams, while popcorn labelled as 40 grams weighed 34.8 grams. A case was registered and a fine of Rs 5,000 was collected.

Anupama Theatre and Velvet View Theatre in Kumarakom were issued notices for selling products using non-standard measures.

At Matha Madhurya Theatre in Aluva, tea that was supposed to be served in a quantity of 210 ml for Rs 30 measured only 130 ml. A 50-gram packet of popcorn priced at Rs 120 weighed only 16 grams, while an 80-gram packet of cheese popcorn priced at Rs 150 weighed 70 grams. A fine of Rs 25,000 was collected.

Action was also taken at C Cinemas in Chengannur, Usha Theatre in Chinnakada, Kollam, C.N.C. Cinemas in Chunnambuthara, Palakkad, and Leena Theatre in Kottakkal, Malappuram.