Proposed public boozing laws ‘unfair to most drinkers’
Liquor store at Little India. TODAY file photo
SINGAPORE — The proposed new laws to cramp alcohol consumption in public spaces have been widely pilloried, with brickbats focused on what are deemed as overreaching regulations.
The plan to bar boozing in public between 10.30pm and 7am, as proposed under the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Bill tabled on Monday, drew widespread objection, with many saying it would be an unfair penalty on the majority of drinkers who are responsible.
Under the proposed laws, over-the-counter alcohol sale will stop at 10.30pm — a provision that has been decried by many. Business developer Yvonne Choy, 27, noted that “not everyone can afford to drink at bars and restaurants”. “Those who want to get a can of beer and sit outdoors to enjoy the night air after a long day at work will not be able to do so anymore.”
Mr Cheong Yew Seng, meanwhile, wrote on TODAY’s Facebook page: “Come on, after a hard day’s work, you just want to pop over to the convenience store and have a quick beer sometimes. What’s wrong with that? Or you want to have a little picnic on the beach over the weekend, watch the stars and have a beer — all very benign activities. Lighten up!”
As the outcry continues, some Members of Parliament have said enforcement of the new regulation against drinkers can be more flexible, while others sought to provide assurance that the grouses would be taken into consideration.
Member of Parliament Zaqy Mohamad (Chua Chu Kang GRC) said there could be areas where enforcement against public drinking could be more lax, such as near clubs.
In residential areas, however, Mr Zaqy felt the curtailment was necessary to minimise incidences of alcohol-induced social disamenities, such as noise and littering. “The ‘flexible’ zones must be a good distance from residential areas,” he said.
Tampines GRC MP Baey Yam Keng also said some leniency towards those who are “just having clean fun” might be warranted. He suggested that approval for extended hours of drinking at social activities, such as barbecue parties, be “simpler and easier to obtain”.
While he reiterated that the Bill is in response to concern over public drinking that had been raised, MP Zainudin Nordin (Bishan-Toa Payoh GRC) said he is certain grievances expressed by the public would be taken into consideration and would help determine what the laws would constitute, if they are passed.
In response to queries, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) indicated that enforcement officers will apply the rules in a calibrated manner when possible. In other words, officers will not turn to arrest as the first option for infringements, provided the offenders comply with instructions to stop and dispose of their alcohol.
“If there is public annoyance, the Bill has a provision that allows the police to advise the person to move on and leave the place. If he complies, no further action will be taken,” said a spokesperson in response to TODAY’s queries. The police can issue a fine or make an arrest if one refuses to cooperate, she added. Infringements are punishable with a fine of up to S$1,000 at the first instance, while repeat offenders face up to three months’ jail and/or fines of not more than S$2,000.
