Singapore to restrict alcohol sales after riot

Singapore is planning to restrict the sale and public consumption of alcohol following the country’s worst riot in 40 years.

Singapore is considering a crackdown on the public consumption and sale of alcohol following last year’s riot in Little India

Said to be the worst riot since the 1960s, on 8 December last year about 400 migrant workers attacked a bus involved in a fatal road accident in the little India neighbourhood were an Indian national was killed.

Witnesses reported that the rioters were intoxicated with alcohol and also set upon emergency service vehicles called to the scene.

Business Standard now claims that following a series of public consultations, the Singapore government is considering implementing a new series of liquor controls, such as restricting public consumption of alcohol reduction the hours of retail sales of alcohol.

Since 2012, Singapore’s Ministry of Home Affairs has undertaken a review of the country’s liquor control measures in order to curb excessive alcohol consumption in public spaces.

The ministry will now assess feedback given by both the public and industry, with the full findings of the public consultation will be released within the next few days.

“In deciding on the measures to adopt in Singapore, we will balance the diverse interests of various stakeholders including residents and businesses,” S Iswaran, Singapore’s second minister for home affairs told Business Standard.

“We will also need to ensure that the regime is practical and enforceable, easily understood with clear rules, and minimal displacement effect.”