Kerala orders multiplexes to provide free drinking water to moviegoers

The Kerala Civil Supplies Department has mandated that all multiplex cinemas operating in the state establish a mechanism under District Collectors to guarantee free drinking water access for theatre-goers. The directive addresses gaps identified during recent compliance inspections across cinema facilities. The enforcement framework will be overseen by District-level Collectors, who will monitor implementation and ensure adherence to the new requirement. This regulatory move reflects growing consumer protection concerns in the state's entertainment sector, where patrons have increasingly complained about high food and beverage prices alongside inadequate access to basic amenities. The inspections that prompted the order revealed systematic non-compliance with water provision norms at major multiplex chains. Cinema operators will now be required to install accessible water dispensing facilities or face corrective action under the supervision of district authorities. The measure aligns with consumer welfare standards that mandate provision of essential services at public gathering venues. Officials stated the mechanism would ensure multiplexes cannot exploit captive audiences by restricting access to free water while maintaining premium pricing for other refreshments.