6 F&B outlets ordered to shut, 3 fined for flouting Covid-19 rules

SINGAPORE — Six food-and-beverage (F&B) outlets have been ordered to close, while three others were fined for breaking Covid-19 safety regulations.

The breaches were discovered during government agencies’ regular checks on such premises, malls and other public spaces.

Three individuals were also fined, the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) said on Monday (March 29).

OUTLETS SUSPENDED

1. Club Mao by Barcode at Oriental Plaza

The club located in Chinatown allowed staff members to host groups of customers across different tables on March 19, thus failing to minimise physical interactions between its workers and customers.

It was ordered to close for 30 days, from March 20 to April 18.

Three customers at the club were also fined S$300 each for failing to keep a 1m distance from others when mingling with those from a separate group.

Club Mao was previously ordered to close on Dec 12 last year for breaching Covid-19 rules.

Further investigations are ongoing.

2. Club Bubbery at Oriental Plaza

Operating under the business name Club Nexus KTV, the club allowed staff members to host groups of patrons at different tables on March 19.

It was ordered to close temporarily from March 20 to 29.

3. De Luxy at Bugis Cube

The bar located in Bugis allowed customers to consume alcohol after 10.30pm on Feb 24 and was then ordered to shut for 10 days, from March 21 to 30. 

Under Covid-19 rules, the sale and consumption of alcohol is banned at eateries after 10.30pm.

The three remaining outlets — Kiss Bistro at Boat Quay, SK Karaoke Pub at Joo Chiat and Steamov Restaurant on Beach Road — likewise allowed customers to consume alcohol after 10.30pm on March 19.

All three were asked to shut for 10 days, from March 21 to 30.

OUTLETS FINED

One F&B establishment was fined S$1,000 while two others were fined S$2,000 for repeat offences.

1. Destiny Japanese KTV Pub at Cuppage Plaza

The pub located off Orchard Road was fined S$2,000 for providing games for customers to play on March 20.

Under Covid-19 laws, F&B outlets are not allowed to provide games if they are not also an amusement centre.

2. Chinatown Seafood Restaurant on Trengganu Street

Also known as Ba Dao Guan, the restaurant in Chinatown was fined S$2,000 for failing to minimise interaction between employees and customers on March 20.

3. Alankar Restaurant at Dunlop Street

For seating different groups of patrons less than 1m apart last Wednesday, the restaurant was fined S$1,000.

MSE said that government agencies will continue to step up enforcement checks and that firm enforcement action will be taken against errant operators and individuals.

“Even with our vaccination programme underway, and the resumption of more activities, the risks of community transmission remains (for Covid-19),” it added.

“We urge all members of the public and F&B operators to remain vigilant and to continue adhering to safe-management measures, even for those who are vaccinated against Covid-19.”