A joint inspection by the departments of Legal Metrology, Civil Supplies, and Food Safety at multiplexes in malls here on Saturday (September 5) found that popcorn and soft drinks were being sold at five times their prices in the open market.

Officials who inspected the multiplexes at Centre Square Mall and Forum Mall found that sales were conducted in accordance with the rules, with price lists duly displayed. However, some food items were priced five times higher than in the open market, according to an official communication.

Officials issued notices to representatives of the multiplexes, stating that the prices were excessive, and that the matter would be reported to the government. The inspections were conducted on the instructions of Food and Civil Supplies Minister Anoop Jacob following complaints about the overpricing of food items, particularly popcorn and beverages, at multiplexes.

Officials instructed the multiplexes to adjust their prices to align with open market rates. Cases were registered against cafes that failed to display price lists. The inspection team also found that many theatres had placed free drinking water counters in inconspicuous locations.

Santhosh N.C., Deputy Controller, Legal Metrology department, Ernakulam, said inspections would be conducted at all theatre complexes in the coming days.

District Supply Officer Shaji V.R. said the department had received complaints earlier about the overpricing of food items at theatre complexes. “A one-litre bottle of mineral water sold here costs over ₹90. These complexes must provide free drinking water as per the rules. It was not available at one of the theatre complexes we inspected. A notice will be served on it,” Mr. Shaji said.

Meanwhile, a representative of the multiplex at Centre Square Mall said no one was prohibited from carrying water into theatres. “We also have a self-dispensing water fountain in the lobby that people can use. We do not prohibit food for babies from being brought from home,” he added.