Obscene price gouging for food and drink at entertainment venues, why is that le!

Obscene price gouging for food and drink at entertainment venues, why is that legal?

Why is it illegal for gas stations to price gouge but it's perfectly legal for entertainment venues (amusement parks, movie theaters, concerts, etc.) to put "ginormous" markups on the food and beverages that they sell?

Yes, I know they do it to make money, but... that same argument could be used to support gas stations doing price gouging!

I think it should be illegal for these places to charge more that 25% above the local supermarket retail price for the same amount that you could purchase there. If they want to make more money, make it with ticket prices instead!

But, especially at venues that are outdoors and HOT, like amusement parks and day concerts, it's basically like extortion. (I wonder if you could apply the RICO act?)

$5 for a 16-oz coke is just highway robbery!

And it's not like they have free alternatives. Have you tried the free water fountains at amusement parks? Mmmmm, boiling hot water! That's refreshing!

What do you think?

2 weeks ago
Crow -- I definitely support free enterprise and capitalism, but not when it's a commodity that is a human necessity or you really do not have any option to go without it. A movie is one thing, you'll live. But 8 hours at an amusement park in sweltering temps, you physically need liquids or you can suffer health problems. It would be fine if they had FREE, COLD water available. But if even the water is bottled and costs $5 each, that's extortion.

I was going to make a pitch for capitalism, but you make a good point. I don't know about movie theaters, but outside venues should have an alternative available just as a public health concern. If the city has to deal with a dozen or more heat stroke/exhaustion emergencies this can easily run into the tens of thousands of dollars.

No one would be saying they couldn't make a profit - just that at least one option, chilled bottled water, be available at local supermarket prices.

And the PR would be GOOD for businesses if amusement parks or concert venues made this known as patrons enter. Chances are that folks had already spent a bundle to get in. They might feel better knowing that they weren't just being treated like sheep waiting to get fleeced - they might be more likely to become repeat customers.