Cineplex Appeals $38.9M Fine Over Drip Pricing Practices

Cineplex has appealed a record $38.9-million fine imposed by the Competition Tribunal for alleged deceptive marketing practices related to “drip pricing.”

The company announced it filed a notice of appeal with the Federal Court of Appeal and is, with the Competition Bureau’s consent, seeking a motion to pause the fine until the appeal concludes. Cineplex has already been granted an interim stay, pending the Appeal Court’s review of the motion.

The tribunal’s September decision sided with the Competition Bureau, which claimed Cineplex misled customers by not displaying the full ticket price upfront during online purchases. Since June 2022, Cineplex has charged a $1.50 booking fee for online ticket purchases, with waivers or discounts for its CineClub and Scene Plus loyalty members—a practice known as drip pricing.

Cineplex disputes these allegations, asserting that moviegoers are informed of any additional fees in advance and can avoid them entirely by purchasing tickets directly at theaters.