Free drinking water in theatres; theatre owners will run cafeterias directly

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Film Exhibitors United Organization of Kerala (FEUOK), the association of theatre owners, announced that all theatres in the state will offer free drinking water to moviegoers. The theatre owners can set up drinking water cans or kiosks. The action comes in the wake of the Supreme Court verdict that the theater owners are liable to provide free drinking water to moviegoers.

"Depending on their financial means, theatre owners can set up systems that deliver hot and cold water. Bottled water will not be provided free of charge. It should be bought from the cafeteria by paying money," FEOUK president K Vijayakumar told Kerala Kaumudi.

"In most theatres, cafeterias are outsourced to catering agencies. From now on, FEOUK will ask theatres to run cafeterias directly. The organization will provide help to the theatre owners. As the one-room cafeteria concept has changed, a technical committee will be formed to bring innovation even in interior design. Owners are welcoming the court order banning outside food in theatres. Big theatres are already following this practice. We will direct all theatres to implement the court order," Vijayakumar added.

Court's observation

Who will pay for the cleaning if a moviegoer who brings jalebi to the cinema hall eats it and wipes the ghee and oil on the seat? If those who bring tandoori chicken eat it and leave the bones on the ground, it will be difficult for others. No one is forcing the audience to buy popcorn.

If cafeteria is taken over by theatre

• Only company items will be put up for sale
• The theatre will get the entire profit
• No overpricing