Two men assisting with police investigations after dispute at Cheers outlet in Lau Pa Sat

SINGAPORE: Two men are assisting with police investigations following a dispute at a Cheers outlet in Lau Pa Sat on New Year's Day. 

In response to queries from CNA, the police on Tuesday (Jan 3) said they were alerted to the incident at 18 Raffles Quay at 8.05pm.

"Preliminary investigations revealed that comments about race and nationality, and verbal threats, were allegedly exchanged prior to the police’s arrival," they said, adding that no injuries were reported. 

Two men, aged 29 and 64, are assisting with ongoing police investigations. 

Five videos were uploaded to social media platform TikTok by user confederateginger. The videos showed the user, who identifies himself as Jonathan in his profile, recording his verbal exchange with three police officers. 

In the first video, the user could be heard informing the police that a "drunk guy" entered the store to cause trouble. He also alleged that the man used vulgarities and impersonated a police officer. 

A police officer could be heard asking the TikTok user for his identification card. However, Jonathan refused and asked the officers why he was required to show his ID. 

In another video, the user can be heard asking a police officer about a "loss of income" due to the closure of the Cheers outlet. The officer said that the store was not closed. 

A FairPrice spokesperson told CNA that it is aware of the incident that happened at its franchise store located at Lau Pa Sat. 

The spokesperson said all staff members are required to comply with the authorities and necessary actions will be taken against those who fail to do so. 

"We are unable to provide further comment as the matter is under police investigation. We apologise for the public concern this incident has caused."