Pivoted nightlife establishments face stricter measures after SMM breaches
SINGAPORE - Former nightlife operators can now lose their food licences if they commit serious breaches of safe management measures (SMM) under new regulations announced on Friday morning (May 14). Those whose licences have been revoked will need to cease operations immediately until the nightlife sector is allowed to reopen in the future or until their re-application for a a new food licence is approved, said a statement by the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE). This comes after 10 food & beverage (F&B) premises, including six former nightlife operators, had been ordered to close. The breaches include failing to prevent large groups of patrons from intermingling; employing hostesses; and allowing live entertainment such as the playing of musical instruments and games like dice and billiards. As a result, nightlife operators who intend to convert their establishment to a F&B outlet in future must file a Change of Use application with the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) to obtain planning permission. This includes submitting a proposed business concept, layout plan and removal of any bar-related signage. The Singapore Food Agency will process the licence appli...
Seven arrested for drug-related offences, 57 investigated for breaching Covid-19 rules
SINGAPORE - Seven people have been arrested for suspected drug-related offences while 57 are under investigation for allegedly breaching Covid-19 measures. The police said on Wednesday (Nov 4) that those arrested for suspected drug activities comprised four men and three women, and they are being investigated by the Central Narcotics Bureau. Those who supposedly breached Covid-19 rules had gathered in groups of more than five and are between the ages of 19 and 66, the police added. Two men are also being investigated for providing public entertainment and selling liquor without a valid licence. All suspects were caught during enforcement efforts against unlicensed public entertainment outlets along Ubi Road 1 and Kallang Pudding Road between Oct 28 and Oct 31. The offence of providing public entertainment without a valid licence carries a fine of up to $20,000. The offence of supplying liquor without a valid licence also carries a fine of up to $20,000. The police said they "take a serious view of anyone found breaking the law, and offenders will be dealt with in accordance to the law."