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Under the new law, the consumption of liquor is banned in all public places nationwide from 10.30pm to 7am daily. Photo: AFP

No booze after 10.30pm: Singapore clamps down on late-night public drinking

AP

Singapore today began imposing a new law to curb late-night drinking in public places in a move aimed at averting public disorder caused by drunkenness.

The new law to control the supply and consumption of alcoholic drinks was passed in Parliament in January this year, more than a year after a major riot by mostly foreign workers in 2013 that was blamed on intoxication.

Under the new law, the consumption of liquor is banned in all public places nationwide from 10.30pm to 7am daily.

Tighter laws will be applied to the Geylang night entertainment district and also to Little India, a commercial enclave heavily frequented by foreign workers where the riot erupted in December 2013, sparked by the death of a foreign worker in a road accident.

Alcohol can still be consumed at home and also in restaurants, cafes and bars that are licensed to sell alcoholic beverages. But over-the-counter or take-away retail sales of liquor will not be allowed during the restricted hours.

Those convicted for the first time could be fined up to S$1,000 (HK$5,676), while repeat offenders face a S$2,000 fine or up to three in months jail or both.

Singapore Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean has said the new law is a response to consistent complaints from Singaporeans about drunkenness in the common areas of housing estates, the Straits Times reported.

He said that a survey by the government’s feedback unit shows that more than 80 per cent of those surveyed are supportive of the new law. In contrast, the Straits Times daily’s online poll showed that 75 per cent are against the law.

 

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