Cinema tickets in Maharashtra to get costlier

The Maharashtra Government has allowed theaters and multiplexes to take Rs 2 more as a service charge from consumers.

The decision was taken at the cabinet meeting here today in order to improve infrastructure at the theaters by amending Mumbai Entertainment Tax Act, an official said.

Ordinary and air cooled theaters can collect service charge up to Rs 5 from earlier Rs 3 and air conditioned theaters upto Rs 6 from earlier Rs 4 per consumer, the official said.

The theaters using satellite technology for issuing tickets can take 50 paise more per ticket from the buyers, he added.

The cabinet also approved reduction of service tax levied on government sponsored award ceremonies and similar cultural programmes to 12.5% from 25%, the official said.

The cultural and tourism programmes sponsored or co-sponsored by the Government would get discounts in the entertainment tax, he said.