Visakhapatnam multiplexes told to sell food items at Maximum Retail Price

Visakhapatnam: For the first time in the state, the Visakhapatnam district administration has decided to implement the Maximum Retail Price (MRP) in selling of eatables, cold drinks and others in all the multiplexes from October 30 onwards. If the theatre managements abide by the directive of the district administration, the city would become the first in the state to implement MRP sales.

Though there are government guidelines to sell the eatables, water bottles and cold drinks at MRP, the multiplex managements are reportedly not following and selling the items three times more than MRP. Many complaints are being registered across the state in this regard. On several occasions, the officials of legal metrology and other enforcement wings issued notices to the managements but in vain.

Taking a serious note on the issue, District Collector Pravin Kumar convened a meeting with the representatives of multiplexes and directed them to implement sales at MRP. However, the management representatives tried to explain their grievances to sell the eatables, cold drinks and water bottles at MRP. The management representatives informed the Collector that as the maintenance cost is very high, it is not possible to sell the items at MRP.

Responding on their version, the Collector said that it was not fair to sell more than MRP. According to the existing rules and regulations, the items should be sold at MRP only. The consumers and audience should not suffer in this regard, the Collector made it clear to the representatives of multiplexes.

Pravin Kumar directed regional officer of Visakhapatnam of Legal Metrology GVR Swamy to explain about the Consumer Act and control of the prices. Finally, the Collector issued orders to implement the sale of eatables, drinks, water bottles and other items at MRP from October 30. “It is true that the prices of eatables, water bottles and drinks high on the MRP.

There are several issues in collecting high prices. As the maintenance cost of the hall, tight security, observation of hygienic standards more manpower are the reasons in collecting the high prices. Not considering all these facts and reasons, the government has insisting to sell at MRP only. We informed our managements about the Collector’s fiat.

All the multiplex owners across the state have decided to meet and discuss the issue. The managements have already discussing the issue at the government level,” a senior manager of a multiplex in the city told The Hans India.

By VKL Gayatri