Islandwide limits on public drinking proposed

By admin-s On Jan 20, 2015

(Today) – Bill tabled to ban boozing in public spaces, retail sales of alcohol between 10.30pm and 7am daily

Following concerns raised in recent years by some Members of Parliament over alcohol-induced disamenities in their constituencies, the Government has set in motion plans to impose a ban on boozing in public spaces and retail sales of alcohol islandwide between 10.30pm and 7am daily.

The Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Bill tabled yesterday also proposes to give the Minister for Home Affairs powers to impose even stricter curbs on the supply and consumption of alcohol in areas with “significant risk of public disorder associated with excessive consumption of liquor”. For a start, parts of Little India — where alcohol-related curtailments have been in place after the December 2013 riot, which would have expired in March — and Geylang could be declared as these so-called Liquor Control Zones.

If the law is passed, drinking after 10.30pm can continue only at home, at approved events or at licensed establishments, such as bars, restaurants and coffee shops. Infringements are punishable with a fine of up to S$1,000 for a first-time offender, while jail of up to three months and a fine not exceeding S$2,000 can be imposed on repeat offenders.

Retailers can apply to sell take-away alcohol until later, but these will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Organisers of events in public places may also apply for the restriction to be lifted for “a specific place and time”.

The proposed laws are expected to be passed within the first half of this year.