Expats who flouted Singapore’s circuit breaker to gather for drinks face US$7,000 fine or jail

The seven foreigners gathered outside bars in Robertson Quay and bought takeaway alcohol during coronavirus safe distancing restrictions last month

They were charged under temporary Covid-19 regulations and had to surrender their passports as part of their bail conditions

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People are seen gathering and drinking outside a restaurant in Robertson Quay in Singapore in May, during the circuit breaker restrictions. Seven foreigners have been charged with flouting social distancing rules. Photo: Facebook

Published: 9:07pm, 2 Jun 2020Updated: 9:16pm, 2 Jun 2020

Six men and a woman were charged in a Singapore district court on Tuesday with gathering outside bars and restaurants at Robertson Quay to drink last month.

The seven accused, who are all foreigners, allegedly took part in social gatherings which were banned during the coronavirus circuit breaker period.

Photographs of crowds outside food and beverage outlets in the area went viral two weeks ago and sparked public furore.

Following that, the Singapore Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) issued directions to about 10 Robertson Quay restaurants to immediately stop selling takeaway alcohol.

Restaurants and bars in Boat Quay, near Robertson Quay, with Singapore’s central business district in the background. Photo: Bloomberg

Deputy Public Prosecutor Timotheus Koh told the court that the accused are in two separate groups. All of them face one charge under the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020.