Thu May 29 03:48:47 UTC 2025: ## Andhra Pradesh Theaters Face Surprise Inspections Amid Government Tensions
**Visakhapatnam, India – May 29, 2025** – Revenue, fire, police, and legal metrology officials conducted surprise inspections of cinema theaters across Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday, including locations in Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Kakinada, Amalapuram, Srikakulam, and Pithapuram. The inspections, occurring amidst an ongoing dispute between the State government and film exhibitors concerning theater closures, scrutinized various aspects of theater operations.
Teams evaluated licenses, pricing and quality of food and beverages, fire safety standards, sanitation and toilet facilities, seating arrangements, sound systems, and overall movie screening quality. Numerous theaters were found to be selling food and drinks at inflated prices.
In Visakhapatnam, a team led by Seethammadhara Tahsildar Ramesh inspected both single-screen and multiplex theaters. Mr. Ramesh stated that the inspections were ordered by the government and assessed theaters against 32 parameters, including license verification, food standards, fire equipment maintenance and renewal of No Objection Certificates (NoCs), and toilet upkeep. He emphasized the importance of theater managements providing basic amenities to moviegoers.
Inspection teams are compiling reports for submission to their respective District Collectors. The extent of any penalties or further action remains to be seen.
First Piper 