Large crowds are expected in Little India for the Deepavali celebrations, especially on the eve of Deepavali on 23 October 2022 (Sunday). Heavy vehicular and human traffic are expected along Serangoon Road during this period.
Auxiliary Police Officers will be deployed along the affected roads and junctions to regulate traffic and assist motorists. Motorists are advised to make alternative travel arrangements and to drive with caution. Strict enforcement action will also be taken against illegal parking.
Restrictions On Consumption of Liquor
Under the provisions of the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act 2015, Little India is declared as a Liquor Control Zone (LCZ). As the eve of Deepavali falls on a Sunday weekend, the public should be mindful of the period in which no public drinking is allowed within the Little India LCZ, which lasts from 21 October (Friday), 10.30pm to 25 October (Tuesday), 7.00am.
The Little India LCZ boundary map
The no-drinking periods in Little India LCZ are summarized in the table below:
Persons found consuming liquor in any public place within the Little India LCZ during the prescribed no-public drinking periods will face enhanced penalties. Offenders are liable on conviction, to a fine of up to S$1,500; and where the individual is a repeat offender, to a fine of up to S$3,000, an imprisonment term of up to 4.5 months, or both. Errant retailers who supply liquor beyond the permitted trading hours may have their liquor licences revoked.
Abusing Sparklers or Discharging Fireworks Illegally
The Police also take a serious view of anyone who sets off improvised explosive devices constructed using sparklers. Such acts and devices are potential fire hazards which cause undue danger and alarm to the public. Anyone caught setting off such improvised explosive devices may be liable to an offence of negligent conduct with respect to explosive substances under Section 284 of the Penal Code 1871, punishable by an imprisonment term of up to one year or a fine of up to $5,000, or both. Should the act lead to any hurt caused, one may be liable to prosecution for voluntarily causing hurt with heated or explosive substances under Section 324 of the Penal Code 1871. If convicted, offenders will be liable to an imprisonment term or up to seven years, or a fine, or caning, or any combination of such punishments.
Similarly, the Police will take strict enforcement action against offenders who discharge fireworks illegally. Such illegal discharge of fireworks poses a serious danger to the public and their properties. Illegal possession and discharge of fireworks is an offence under Section 3(1) of the Dangerous Fireworks Act 1972 punishable by an imprisonment term of up to two years or with a fine of up to $5,000, or both. The importation of fireworks is also a serious offence under Section 4(1) of the Dangerous Fireworks Act 1972 punishable by an imprisonment of not less than six months and not more than two years, and also with caning of up to six strokes.
Members of the public are advised to abide by the law and comply with the instructions of the Police and Auxiliary Police Officers so that the Deepavali celebrations can take place safely. The Police and Auxiliary Police Officers will be stepping up our patrols in Little India to maintain law and order and to enforce the LCA.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
20 October 2022 @ 9:00 AM