In the Era of Shrinkflation, Cinemark Sued for Allegedly Swindling Customers by Shortchanging Them on Beverages

By Trisha Andrada

Apr 20, 2024 07:27 AM EDT

Cinemark, an American movie theater chain, is allegedly duping its customers by offering 24-ounce drink cups that can only hold a maximum of 22 ounces, according to a proposed class-action suit filed in a Texas federal court recently.

Man Sued Cinemark for What He Sees as Misleading Advertising

Lead plaintiff Shane Waldrop is taking a stand against what he sees as deceptive advertising on his beer pours. According to the lawsuit, Waldrop ordered a 24-ounce beer at a Cinemark branch in Texas last Valentine's Day.

However, he noticed that the container did not seem big enough to hold 24 ounces of liquid. Waldrop reportedly proceeded to go home and measure the container but discovered that it could only hold a maximum of 22 ounces.

Jarrett Ellzey, an attorney representing Waldrop, told CNN that "this lawsuit is another example of consumers unwittingly overpaying for a supposed benefit they are not receiving."

"While two ounces may seem inconsequential to the seller, the bottom line is the buyer is not getting what he's promised by the seller," he added.

The lawsuit claimed that Cinemark's false advertising violates both state and federal laws.

What Is Shrinkflation?

Some businesses choose to decrease the size of their products during times of high inflation instead of raising prices. The term for this practice is "shrinkflation, and it has come to light recently due to allegations that some packaged food companies have been quietly doing it.

According to Pennsylvania Democratic Sen. Bob Casey's report in December, Labor Department data showed that OREO Double Stuf Chocolate Sandwich Cookies shrank 6% in size by weight. Also, Gatorade replaced its 32-oz bottle with a 28-oz for the same price.

Among the recorded price increases caused by shrinkflation from January 2019 to October 2023, household paper goods and snacks were the most impacted. These products became more expensive due to companies' shrinking the sizes and packages.