Cinemark, one of the largest movie theater chains in the United States, is facing a class-action lawsuit that accuses the company of misleading customers with inaccurately labeled beer cup sizes. The legal action centers on a supposed 24-ounce cup used to serve draught beer, which reportedly holds only 22 ounces of liquid, sparking accusations of consumer deception.

Texas resident Shane Waldrop filed the suit after purchasing what was advertised as a 24-ounce draught beer for $8.80 during a screening at a Cinemark location. According to Waldrop, the cup he received could not contain the full amount of beer he believed he was buying. This discrepancy prompted claims of false advertising and dishonest sales practices.

Legal claims could expand beyond Cinemark

Waldrop’s lawsuit alleges several legal violations, including negligent misrepresentation, fraud, unjust enrichment, and a breach of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. The legal team behind the case is seeking to stop Cinemark from continuing to label and sell the beer in the allegedly undersized cups. They are also asking for a “disgorgement of profits,” which would force the company to give up any financial gains made through this practice.

What makes the case particularly noteworthy is the plaintiff's request for the lawsuit to be classified as a class action. This means that other consumers who purchased the same 24-ounce beer cups could potentially join the legal fight. If the court approves class-action status, it could significantly broaden the scope of the case and increase financial and reputational risks for Cinemark.

Cup suppliers could come under scrutiny

The lawsuit also raises concerns about the suppliers of the beer cups themselves. If the cups in question are being used by other businesses in the cinema or food and beverage industries, the impact of this legal case could reach far beyond Cinemark. The complaint specifically alleges that the cup’s volume misrepresents its actual capacity “by a twelfth,” or roughly 8.3%. That small difference could add up to millions of dollars in consumer overcharges across multiple companies.

In addition to potentially holding Cinemark accountable, the legal proceedings could trigger wider scrutiny of how beverage containers are labeled and marketed to consumers. The issue highlights the fine print of product sizing—something many customers take for granted, especially in high-traffic venues like cinemas and sporting events.

Future implications for drink serving standards

If successful, this lawsuit could lead to changes in how theaters and similar venues label their beverage sizes. It might also encourage state regulators to look more closely at cup serving practices and enact new standards for consumer protection. While this legal action currently targets a single company, its ripple effects could influence industry-wide practices.

As of now, Cinemark has not publicly commented on the lawsuit. Whether or not the company will challenge the claims in court remains to be seen. For moviegoers and consumers alike, the case underscores the importance of truth in labeling—and the legal consequences that may follow when expectations don’t match reality.

Cinemark, one of the largest movie theater chains in the United States, is facing a class-action lawsuit that accuses the company of misleading customers with inaccurately labeled beer cup sizes. The legal action centers on a supposed 24-ounce cup used to serve draught beer, which reportedly holds only 22 ounces of liquid, sparking accusations of consumer deception.

Texas resident Shane Waldrop filed the suit after purchasing what was advertised as a 24-ounce draught beer for $8.80 during a screening at a Cinemark location. According to Waldrop, the cup he received could not contain the full amount of beer he believed he was buying. This discrepancy prompted claims of false advertising and dishonest sales practices.

Legal claims could expand beyond Cinemark

Waldrop’s lawsuit alleges several legal violations, including negligent misrepresentation, fraud, unjust enrichment, and a breach of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act. The legal team behind the case is seeking to stop Cinemark from continuing to label and sell the beer in the allegedly undersized cups. They are also asking for a “disgorgement of profits,” which would force the company to give up any financial gains made through this practice.

What makes the case particularly noteworthy is the plaintiff's request for the lawsuit to be classified as a class action. This means that other consumers who purchased the same 24-ounce beer cups could potentially join the legal fight. If the court approves class-action status, it could significantly broaden the scope of the case and increase financial and reputational risks for Cinemark.

Cup suppliers could come under scrutiny

The lawsuit also raises concerns about the suppliers of the beer cups themselves. If the cups in question are being used by other businesses in the cinema or food and beverage industries, the impact of this legal case could reach far beyond Cinemark. The complaint specifically alleges that the cup’s volume misrepresents its actual capacity “by a twelfth,” or roughly 8.3%. That small difference could add up to millions of dollars in consumer overcharges across multiple companies.

In addition to potentially holding Cinemark accountable, the legal proceedings could trigger wider scrutiny of how beverage containers are labeled and marketed to consumers. The issue highlights the fine print of product sizing—something many customers take for granted, especially in high-traffic venues like cinemas and sporting events.

Future implications for drink serving standards

If successful, this lawsuit could lead to changes in how theaters and similar venues label their beverage sizes. It might also encourage state regulators to look more closely at cup serving practices and enact new standards for consumer protection. While this legal action currently targets a single company, its ripple effects could influence industry-wide practices.

As of now, Cinemark has not publicly commented on the lawsuit. Whether or not the company will challenge the claims in court remains to be seen. For moviegoers and consumers alike, the case underscores the importance of truth in labeling—and the legal consequences that may follow when expectations don’t match reality.