On 15 February 2022 at around 8.55pm., the Police conducted a check on a pivoted food and beverage establishment housed within a shop-house unit along Syed Alwi Road, and found 60 men and 37 women, aged between 24 to 65, to be gathering within an unlicensed ‘KTV-concept’ outlet found to be concealed behind a partitioned door within the establishment’s premises. The unlicensed ‘KTV-concept’ outlet was furnished into 22 separate karaoke rooms and was spread across three shop-house units. The karaoke rooms were equipped with karaoke systems, speakers, microphones and televisions. Liquor was also served to the patrons from the pivoted food and beverage establishment’s inventory.
Of these 97 persons, four women aged between 33 and 48, of Chinese nationality, are suspected to be hostesses. These women were found to be intermingling and providing services to the establishment’s patrons within the premises, and one of the women tested Ag+ using an Antigen Rapid Test (ART). All four women were arrested for offences under the Employment of Foreign Manpower Act 1990.
A 41-year-old man, who was also found amongst the 97 persons and is purportedly the operator of the unlicensed ‘KTV-concept’ outlet is being investigated for offences under the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act 2015, as well as for breaching safe management measures under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020 for failing to close a non-permitted enterprise for entry.
For non-compliance with safe distancing measures under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020, offenders may be jailed for up to six months, fined up to $10,000, or both. The offences of providing public entertainment and supplying liquor without a valid licence, each carries a fine of up to $20,000.
The Police will continue to maintain a high tempo in conducting enforcement checks to prevent, deter and detect vice and other illicit activities. Commander of Central Police Division, Deputy Assistant Commissioner of Police Jeremy Ang said, “The Police adopts a zero-tolerance stance for those who blatantly disregard the law and will not hesitate to take enforcement actions against those who flout the prevailing safe management measures. As we deal with the increase of Omicron infections, such socially irresponsible behaviour puts public health under great risk, including that of our frontline officers and their families.”
UNLICENSED ‘KTV-CONCEPT’ OUTLET ALONG SYED ALWI ROAD
CONCEALED DOOR WITHIN ESTABLISHMENT
KARAOKE ROOMS FOUND WITHIN UNLICENSED ‘KTV-CONCEPT’ OUTLET
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
19 February 2022 @ 11:55 AM