IMC proposes monthly fee on cinema halls showing advts

Indore: Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) has decided to introduce a regulatory proposal to levy monthly fee on cinema halls and multiplexes showcasing commercial advertisements during movie screenings.According to IMC additional commissioner Akash Singh, the exhibition of advertisements on theatre screens falls within the purview of prevailing entertainment policy under which state delegates specific regulatory and fee-fixing powers to local civic bodies.“We have proposed charging a uniform fee of approximately Rs 25,000 per month from every individual screen allowed to showcase commercial advertisements,” Singh said. He explained that the initiative was part of an ongoing administrative strategy to augment municipal corporation’s internal revenue streams by tapping into commercial exhibition spaces.The proposal will be tabled during Mayor-in-Council meeting scheduled for Thursday.At present, Indore houses more than 25 cinema halls and multiplex facilities.