The Penang Hindu Association (PHA) has called for the sale of beer to be prohibited at cinemas.

PHA deputy president P. Murugiah said the association discovered a cinema in a shopping mall here to be offering the beverage.

He said such activities should not be condoned as this would give a negative impression on youths and children.

He said the PHA has written to the Royal Customs Department, the Penang government and the Penang Island City Council on the matter.

“Checks should be immediately made at all cinemas and appropriate action be taken,” he said in a statement today.

Checks by theSun later found that beer was only served to cinema goers who bought the premier class tickets.

When approached, a cinema staff told theSun only those who purchased the high-end seats could opt for the drink but it was up to them to do so.

When contacted, a customer service spokesman for the cinema said the company will investigate the matter but declined further comment.

Penang Island City Council Licensing and Public Health Committee alternate chairman Ong Ah Teong when reached said the Council did not have the jurisdiction to ban the sale and could only urge the management not to sell the beverage openly.