In November, the Singapore Nightlife Business Association (SNBA) announced that about 25 nightlife businesses will be allowed to reopen as part of a new pilot programme.
The 25 slots could be allocated to 10 pubs and bars, 10 karaoke establishments and five nightclubs, it added.
In an update, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) said yesterday (Dec 8) that three bars and pubs will be allowed to reopen for two months under this pilot programme.
These bars and pubs are Bell Bar at Cuppage Plaza (opened on Dec 8), Skinny’s Lounge at Boat Quay (opening today), and Bar Kiharu at Orchard Plaza (also opening today).
They were selected among six nominations fielded by nightlife business associations such as the Singapore Nightlife Business Association and Singapore River One.
Interested nightlife outlets had to submit proposals on how they intend to reopen safely, including plans to implement the required safe management measures.
Beyond the existing safety measures, they must also adhere to these rules:
- Recorded music may be played, but must not be louder than 60 decibels (equivalent of a normal conversation)
- Live music, radio broadcasts and all forms of television, video and other forms of public entertainment such as dancing, darts, billiards, pool, or karaoke are not allowed either.
- Ensure that customers, visitors and workers do not provide or condone hostessing services.
Enforcement agencies will monitor the venues, and take action if there are breaches.
Penalties include removing an establishment from the pilot programme, and imposing a fine of up to $10,000, a jail term of up to six months or both.
The COVID-19 multi-ministry task force previously said that bars, pubs, nightclubs, discotheques and karaoke lounges will not be permitted to “reopen in their original form for some time, as the nature of their activities poses a high risk of COVID-19 transmission”.
“The pilots aim to establish the viability and robustness of the stringent safe management measures and the ability of the nightlife industry to comply with them, before the Government considers allowing any further steps in the resumption of nightlife businesses,” said the ministries.
Featured Image Credit: Amie Johnson via Unsplash
