The Police are investigating 183 persons following island-wide enforcement checks on 70 public entertainment and nightlife outlets between 13 September and 23 October 2021.
A total of 15 public entertainment and nightlife outlets were found to have committed various breaches under the Public Entertainments Act, the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act 2015 and the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020, among other offences. Three cases of interest are highlighted below:
- For the first incident, on 2 October 2021, the Police conducted an operation at an unlicensed ‘KTV-concept’ outlet allegedly operating within a shophouse unit located along Syed Alwi Road. The Police found eight men and one woman, aged between 18 and 33, in the unit. The unit contained several private rooms equipped with karaoke systems, televisions and microphones, allegedly used for the provision of public entertainment. In addition, bottles of liquor were found in the private rooms, which were allegedly supplied to patrons of the outlet as well. The karaoke equipment and liquor were seized for investigations. A 21-year-old man, one of the nine persons in the unit, was established to be the purported operator of the outlet. The man was also found to be involved in other offences and was in possession of substances believed to be controlled drugs and drug-taking paraphernalia. The man was arrested for offences under the Public Entertainments Act, the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act 2015 and the Misuse of Drugs Act. In addition, one man and one woman, aged between 18 and 21, who were found to be in the company of the 21-year-old man, were arrested for suspected drug-related offences as well. All nine persons are currently assisting with investigations for non-compliance with safe distancing measures.
- For the second incident, on 4 October 2021, the Police received a call for assistance informing of a large gathering in a mixed-use office-cum-industrial building along Upper Paya Lebar Road. A 28-year-old man was allegedly found operating a common gaming house in a unit within the building, with the assistance of another 28-year-old man. A total of 10 men and three women, aged between 21 and 51, were allegedly found playing poker and pool on a poker table and a pool table installed in the unit. In addition, the unit contained a private room furnished with a karaoke system, gaming consoles, speakers and microphones, allegedly used for the provision of public entertainment. The gambling-related paraphernalia and equipment used for the provision of public entertainment were seized for investigations. All 15 persons were arrested for offences under the Common Gaming Houses Act and are also being investigated for non-compliance with safe distancing measures. A 25-year-old man, who was not present during police checks, is also being investigated for offences under the Common Gaming Houses Act and for the provision of public entertainment without a licence under the Public Entertainments Act.
- For the third incident, on 23 October 2021, the Police received a call for assistance informing of an unlicensed ‘KTV-concept’ outlet operating within a mixed-use office-cum-industrial unit along Tagore Lane. The Police found 39 men and 16 women, aged between 18 and 45, in the unit. The unit was separated into two decks, with each containing a lounge area equipped with karaoke systems, televisions, speakers and flashing lights. Bottles of liquor were also found on several tables in the unit. Two of the men, aged between 31 and 35, were established to be the alleged operators of the outlet and were arrested for offences under the Public Entertainments Act and the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act 2015. All 55 persons will also be investigated for non-compliance with safe distancing measures.
The offences of supplying liquor without a valid licence and providing public entertainment without a valid licence, each carries a fine of up to $20,000. For non-compliance with safe distancing measures under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020, individuals found guilty may be jailed for up to six months, fined up to $10,000, or both.
The Police will continue to carry out regular enforcement checks on public entertainment outlets to suppress vice and other illicit activities. Members of the public and businesses are advised to take the prevailing safe management measures seriously. The Police have zero tolerance for irresponsible behaviour relating to the flouting of these measures and offenders will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
03 November 2021 @ 12:45 PM