Outside food ban lifted for moviegoers

The decision ended the long-held practice to let in only snacks sold by the theaters. Businesses that violate the GIO's rule after the grace period will be subjected to a fine of NT$60,000 to NT$150,000, which is accumulative until the cinema in question corrects itself.

Concerning the effect of food with strong odors on other people's movie-watching experience, the GIO did not compile a list of banned food but has allowed movie theaters to prohibit “generally acknowledged food with strong odors” that may cause others' discomfort.

The theaters must let people bring from the outside the types of food and beverages that are sold by the cinemas, such as soft drinks, coffee, popcorns, hotdogs, etc., the GIO said.

Businesses, however, can make their own lists to ban strongly-flavored food such as durian, betel nuts, stinky tofu, fried chicken, Taiwanese chicken nuggets, alcohol or “noisy” food such as watermelon seeds.

The first day of the ban lift was uneventful yet some cinema owners said they will keep watching for any adjustments to help protect the customers' rights.

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