Cineplex might be offering free refills in Canada but they still charge $5 for water
Despite introducing free refills on certain menu items last month, Cineplex continues to receive backlash on some of its prices, including those on bottled water, which some customers claim range from $5 to almost $6.
The movie theatre company announced in November that it would offer limited free refills on large popcorn and fountain drinks.
"A big part of enjoying a movie on the big screen are the snacks, so by offering our guests a free refill on their large popcorn and fountain drink, we ensure their favourite movie snack and drink doesn’t run out and more can even be enjoyed on the way home," Executive Vice President of Cineplex Kevin Watts said in a press release.
To get a refill, you would have to upgrade to a large popcorn or fountain drink using the Cineplex mobile app or when ordering at a concession counter. Offers are only available for one refill on the same day of purchase and during the same visit, and are not applicable for delivery orders.
Even with this new promotion, some people have taken to social media to air out their grievances against the company's prices on other items, including bottled water.
In one tweet, one customer alleged that they paid nearly $6 for a bottle of Dasani water, and claimed that the cashier also agreed that the item was too pricey.
Cineplex would be so much cooler if they didn't make me pay 5.74$ for a bottle of dasani water. (Even the cashier said 'yea I know man... I'm sorry' lmaoo bro is done with these prices too)
— LØGGY 🔞 (@loggyburger) December 2, 2024
And then play the AI coke commercial as soon as I get into my seat.
In a statement to blogTO, a Cineplex spokesperson confirmed that the company's bottled water pricing is $4.99 for Dasani and $5.25 for Smartwater, which they said was "comparable" to other theatres and entertainment venues.
The spokesperson added that the company offers free filtered water upon request, in an approximately 12-fluid ounce cup.
Cineplex theatres charging $5.00 for a bottle of water is absolutely wild
— Sean Bowen (@Bonsie24) August 7, 2024
This week, a Cineplex spokesperson also confirmed that the company has recently raised the prices of their tickets as a result of "increased operating costs, including leasing, utilities, and labour."
The representative said that on average, ticket prices increased by $0.25 depending on the ticket type across the country. Online booking fees will remain the same.
The increase comes after the company announced in September that its theatres would be receiving some upgrades over the next few years.
The National Association of Theatre Owners (NATO) stated that eight of the largest theatre chains in the United States and Canada (including Cineplex) would be investing millions of dollars to modernize their locations over the next three years.
