Relaxing over a few beers after a late-night finish in the office, could soon become illegal in Singapore if a new Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Bill recently tabled in Parliament eventually gets passed. The new Bill aims to outlaw the drinking of alcohol between 10.30pm and 7.00am in public areas including parks and communal areas within public housing estates. Under the new booze-buster plans retail shops island-wide would l also be banned from selling take-away alcohol from 10.30pm onwards.
In the proposed Bill, people found guilty of drinking after 10.30pm in a public place will face a fine of up to SGD1,000 and repeat offenders would not only face a fine of up to double this, but also imprisonment for up to three months. Licensees selling alcohol beyond their stipulated trading hours may be fined up to SGD10,000.
Paul Arkwright
Publisher
