P.M. BRIEFING : Snacks Taboo in Malaysia Theaters

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia — Moviegoers are too sloppy, so the city will ban all eating and drinking in cinemas, the mayor said today.

Mayor Elyas Omar said the move was taken to ensure the cleanliness of the theaters, which often are dirty because of empty food packets and drink containers being left behind by patrons.

“The cinemas should be clean places that provide comfort to patrons, not places for eating and drinking. If one wants to eat or drink, the place to do it is a stall or a restaurant,” Elyas said.

Elyas did not say what would be done to those ignoring the warning, but other officials said the law forbidding littering in public places could be applied to the movie houses. Under this law, people face fines of up to $185 even for flicking cigarette ashes.