GST Effect: Avoid Combo Offers At Cinemas

In the recent meeting of the GST Council, it was decided to reduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on food and beverages sold in multiplexes and theaters from 18% to 5%. However, the reduced GST only applies to counter purchases, not online bookings or combo offers. So, if you want to save money, it’s best to buy your snacks separately at the theater counter rather than as part of a combo deal.

The GST Council has applied the 5% GST only to those items that you purchase at theaters or multiplexes. If you have a habit of availing combo offers for food and drinks along with booking online movie tickets, you will not benefit from this reduction.

When you book movie tickets online through an app or website, you are also given the option of a combo offer. By selecting this option, you can pre-book food and beverages along with your movie ticket. The next time you go to watch a movie, avoid availing of the combo offer while booking online movie tickets. This is because if you book snacks along with the ticket, you will have to pay 18% GST.

On the other hand, if you purchase food and beverages from the counters at the cinema hall after buying tickets either at the counter or online, you will only have to pay 5% tax on them. Due to the reduced tax, you will have to pay less money.