Singapore proposes alcohol crackdown bill

The Singapore government is considering implementing a nationwide ban on the sale and public consumption of alcohol after 10.30pm.

Singapore lawmakers have proposed a bill to crackdown on the public consumption and sale of alcohol following the 2013 riot in Little India

The bill, which was introduced in parliament on Monday, would see restrictions on alcohol consumption until 7am ­– although event organisers will be able to apply for permits to have alcoholic drinks at their events.

Anyone found guilty of drinking in a public place after the curfew will face a fine of up to SG$1,000 dollars, and repeat offenders may be fined up to SG$2,000 and serve up to three months in prison.

The restriction would be implemented island-wide in order to reduce the opportunity for people to migrate to other areas to continue drinking, giving police greater power to intervene early and prevent large scale incidents caused by excessive liquor consumption.

The draft law will see stricter regulations on Geylang and Little India, which are to be marked as Liquor Control Zones.

The consumption of alcohol in the zones would be banned at all hours during weekends and public holidays, with restrictions on retail sales yet to be outlined, and harsher penalties for those committing liquor-related offences.

The areas have been earmarked for tighter controls following the December 2013 riot in Little India, which was said to be the worst of its kind since the 1960s.

During the incident around 400 migrant workers set upon a fatal road accident where an Indian national was killed, as well as emergency service vehicles which had been called to the scene.

Pubs, bars, restaurants and other licensed premises will not be affected by the proposals, and members of the public may continue to consume alcoholic drinks at home during the restricted hours.

The bill will be debated in parliament at a later date.