A delegation of exhibitors of Maharashtra under the aegis of the Cinema Owners And Exhibitors Association Of India (COEAI) met chief minister Uddhav Thackeray on 18th October in Bombay to demand permission to levy Rs. 25 per ticket as service charge once cinemas in the state reopen from 22nd October. The cinema owners’ delegation also demanded automatic renewal of cinema licences as the licence renewal procedure is long-drawn and requires NOCs from several departments in the state.
The service charge allowed to single-screen cinemas and multiplexes in the state of Maharashtra is Rs. 7 for non-airconditioned, and Rs. 9 for airconditioned. An extra rupee is permitted to be levied if the cinema has computerised booking facility. Similarly, an extra rupee can be levied as service charge if a Marathi film is being screened.