The Cinema Exhibitors’ Association (CEA) notes today’s Government statement on plans to curb what are seen as excessive credit and debit card charges levied on customers booking goods and services online.
The CEA was disappointed to see cinema operators included prominently in media coverage of those felt to fall into this category.
Aware of the Office of Fair Trading’s enquiry into this issue, the Association surveyed members earlier in the year to confirm their practice in this area. As a result, the CEA understands that no UK cinema operator levies an additional charge for credit card transactions, and where booking charges are levied on online and telephone bookings by credit or debit card, these cover the costs of providing that service to customers.
Most cinema companies place a limit on the total booking charge for any one online transaction.
The Association understands that the Government intends to consult on the detail of what will and will not be allowed by way of such charging early in the New Year. It looks forward to engaging in that process as it goes forward.
For more information, contact the CEA.