On July 10, the topic "You cannot choose seat C when buying a movie ticket alone" became a hot search topic, triggering heated discussions among netizens. Is this provision reasonable?
"Only 2 tickets were sold when selecting seats for the movie I wanted to buy, but I was not allowed to buy a single ticket in the middle of the core viewing area." Recently, a consumer reported that he was in the CGV Cinema (Shanghai Bao) Yang Baolong Store) when purchasing a single movie ticket, you cannot select the core viewing area. Consumers believe that such rules for ticket purchase and seat selection are very unreasonable.
Relevant staff of the theater responded that the theater’s seating arrangement is designed to optimize seat utilization, and audiences can adjust their seats according to the actual situation after arriving. Netizens complained: It’s not a must-see.
Many theaters restrict single-person ticket purchase and seat selection
After actual measurement of ticket purchase and seat selection in multiple theaters in Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou and other cities, it was found that Wanda Cinemas, Emperor Cinemas, Jinyi Cinemas, cgv Cinemas and many other brand movie theaters have restrictions on seat selection for single spectators during the ticket purchase process.
For example, if you choose to buy tickets in separate seats or buy a single ticket in the core viewing area, the mini program, official website or third-party ticket purchasing platform will automatically pop up a prompt such as "Don't leave space next to the seat" and block seat selection and order placement. In addition, most theaters require single viewers to be separated by an even number of seats in order to purchase tickets. This restriction may cause single viewers to be unable to choose the most ideal seat in the theater and can only accept a seat closer to the side.
The theater stated that position C is usually the center position in the theater with the best visual effect, and is also the position most susceptible to the influence of surrounding audiences. In order to prevent couples, families or groups of friends from being unable to sit together due to a single moviegoer occupying the C seat, thereby affecting their viewing experience, the rule was set that "non-multiple people buying tickets are not allowed to choose the C seat". This improves seat utilization, especially during the screening of popular movies. By guiding single viewers to choose non-C seats, it can effectively alleviate the problem of tight seats in the central area and allow more group viewers to sit together and watch movies.
Lawyer: This move deprives consumers of their right to make independent choices.
In this regard, Zhao Liangshan, a senior partner of Shaanxi Hengda Law Firm and a well-known public interest lawyer, believes that the Consumer Rights Protection Law gives consumers the right to make independent choices. Article 1 of this law Article 9 clearly stipulates that consumers have the right to independently choose goods or services. Consumers have the right to independently choose operators who provide goods or services, independently select product varieties or service methods, and decide independently to buy or not to buy any kind of goods, and to accept or not to accept any kind of service. Consumers have the right to compare, identify and select when choosing goods or services independently.
From this point of view, platforms and theaters implement "separate pairs but not singles" for single-person ticket purchases, or cannot purchase central seats, which undoubtedly deprives consumers of their right to make independent choices. Zhao Liangshan believes that "it is necessary for platforms and theaters to change this business model and not be too harsh on single-person ticket purchases."
The price difference at different locations has caused controversy
Customers need to pay attention to the movie-watching experience
So, if you cannot choose a good location, you will miss it. Can the location be discounted on price? Indeed, many theaters currently implement "zoned ticket sales" for movie-viewing seats. The price difference generally ranges from 5 yuan to 20 yuan. The price is relatively lower for seats on both sides or in the front.
However, audiences have mixed opinions on the theater's "zoned ticket sales" method. Some people think that this is a disguised price increase for theaters; others say that when the seats are full, it is acceptable for audiences with poor seats to get some discounts. More people hold a conservative attitude and believe that partition sales of theaters are of little significance. "Because its space is very limited, the angle does not change much when watching movies, and people can move back and forth if they are not satisfied."
Being alone is a kind of enjoyment, and "one-person economy" is a trend. In front of a big screen full of stories, every audience should be a protagonist, not a "spectator" bound by rules. Although the seat allocation problem in movie theaters is small, it is related to the customer's movie-watching experience, and the way it is handled directly affects customer satisfaction.The so-called industry regulations must operate under relevant laws, regulations and basic social rules, otherwise they will become a stumbling block that hinders industry development and social progress. Outdated business rules need to be changed.
Source: The Paper, CCTV, Beijing Business Daily, etc.
(Dazhong Daily·Dazhong News Client Reporter Zhang Mingyue)
