The Penang Hindu Association (PHA) wants the authorities to ban the sale of beer at cinemas in the state.

Its deputy president P Murugiah said in a statement today that the sale of beer encourages cinemagoers, including minors, to consume alcohol.

Murugiah also attached a receipt indicating the price of RM14.90 and GST of six percent for the sale of a Carlsberg beer outside one of the cinemas.

"We have written an official complaint to the authorities and the relevant enforcement departments in the Royal Customs Department under the Ministry of Finance, as well as to the Ministry of Health, state government and the Penang Island City Council, to take action against those responsible for the sale of beer in cinema theatres," he said.

A check with one of the cinemas in Penang showed that beer was sold only to Premier Class theatre goers.

When contacted, the GSC Customer Service Department in Kuala Lumpur appeared to be in the dark on the matter.

An officer at the department said she would immediately check out the matter with the relevant cinema before issuing a comment.

Meanwhile, Murugiah urged the relevant enforcement departments to immediately inspect all the theatres to see if alcohol was sold on the premises.

"Appropriate action, including cancelling their licences, should be taken immediately against them.

"Cinemas are frequented by people of all ages, including teenagers and young children. Underaged children will be tempted to consume beer, especially in the hidden confines of the theatres, probably unseen by their parents or guardians," he added.