Cineplex to Fight $39M Penalty Over Online Booking Fees

Media and entertainment company Cineplex said it will appeal a recent Competition Tribunal decision that slapped it with a $38.9 million penalty for charging $1.50 online booking fees for tickets. The decision, released on Sept. 23, found Cineplex had engaged in drip pricing, which involves a business offering low prices to attract consumers but adding fees so the customer pays more than the advertised price. Cineplex said it was “shocked” and disagreed with the Tribunal’s decision. A Sept. 23 company news release said it would appeal to the Federal Court of Appeal. “The online booking fee is an optional, value-added service. It provides moviegoers with the confidence of knowing they have a ticket and an exact seat location before they arrive at a theatre,” the release said. “The fee is presented on our website and app in a clear and prominent manner.”...