Access to cinemas with outside food and drink has been a controversial topic for years, but a recent video shared on TikTok by user David, known for his content related to consumer rights, has reignited the debate.
In the video, which quickly went viral with millions of views, David documents the moment when cinema employees prevented him from entering with food brought in from outside, sparking a heated discussion about consumer rights and establishment regulations.
Read also Hector Farres
The ban and the response
The video. David is seen trying to enter the room with various food items, while a cinema employee explains to him that outside food and drink are not allowed in, except for water, as this is established by the cinema’s internal regulations. In response to this, David questions the validity of this rule, calling it “absurd”, and points out that he considers this practice abusive and contrary to consumer rights. The employee, in her defense, responds that she is simply doing her job and offers the customer the possibility of submitting a complaint form.
David listening to the employee
@david_reclama / TikTok
Division of opinionsThe confrontation quickly sparked divided comments on TikTok, where the video has had more than 2 million views. On the one hand, many users supported David, pointing out that the practice of banning outside food is unfair and costly for consumers, who often have to pay high prices for products inside the cinema. On the other hand, some defended the position of the cinemas, arguing that income from the sale of food and drinks is essential to the maintenance of the theatres.
What does the law say? The controversy over the entry of food from outside into cinemas is not new and has been the subject of multiple complaints and rulings over the years. According to the General Law for the Defense of Consumers and Users, the prohibition of entering with food and drink from outside can be considered an abusive practice. Article 82.1 of this law establishes that those practices that cause a significant imbalance in the rights and obligations of the parties are considered abusive.
Furthermore, reports from the Spanish Agency for Consumption, Food Safety and Nutrition have indicated that the imposition of this rule without objective justification is illegal, and that consumers, after paying for their ticket, should not be forced to buy products at the cinema. Over the last few years, cinemas such as Yelmo have been sanctioned for this practice, forcing the authorities to intervene in defence of consumer rights.
Via @david_reclama
Read also
