The state government has said that multiplexes cannot ban patrons from carrying food inside cinema halls. It said it would come out with a policy soon to lift such an illegal ban and punish violations.

Food and Civil Supplies Minister of State Ravindra Chavan made this statement in response to a calling attention notice by Opposition leader in the council Dhananjay Munde. Chavan said a regulatory policy would be ready with the home department within six months. Sanjay Dutt, Anil Bhosale and Neelam Gorhe, too, grilled the government over the issue.