Some Singapore restaurants hit with takeaway alcohol ban after viral post shows customers not social distancing

The Facebook post, which has been shared more than 2,000 times, showed crowds of people gathered in Robertson Quay, many not wearing face masks

The city state’s national urban planning authority responded by banning the sale of takeaway alcohol in the area, adding that violators will be fined

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A group of people pictured congregating in the Robertson Quay area of Singapore on Saturday in defiance of social distancing rules. Photo: Facebook

Published: 12:06pm, 18 May 2020Updated: 12:53pm, 19 May 2020

Several restaurants in an area of Singapore known for its tree-lined walkways and alfresco dining have been barred from selling takeaway alcohol after groups of customers were spotted flouting the city state’s social distancing rules.

The Urban Redevelopment Authority made the order on Sunday, a day after a social media post showing crowds of people gathered in the Robertson Quay area went viral.

The post, which has been shared more than 2,000 times, criticised what Facebook user Lectress Pat described as the “wayward actions” of “black sheeps” who would “only jeopardise local community and frontline efforts to recover from the pandemic”.

Most of the people in the accompanying pictures were not wearing face masks, or had them lowered to speak and drink. They were also failing to stand more than one metre apart, which is an offence that can incur a S$10,000 (US$6,950) fine and six months’ jail time in Singapore following updates to the law in March.

Enforcement action will be taken against business operators and individuals for non-compliance, Minister for the Environment and Water Resources Masagos Zulkifli said in a Facebook post on Monday. Those who flout social distancing rules face a S$300 (US$211) fine for the first offence.

The police are investigating a number of the “non-Singaporeans” who had gathered, according to Masagos. He also urged the public to report offenders through an app originally created for the public to raise municipal issues such as dirty residential areas and littering.