SINGAPORE — Provisions could be delivered to the dormitories of foreign workers, while areas could be set aside for them to congregate, eat and drink.

These are some of the longer-term plans business owners in Little India are mulling over, as they prepare to ride out the lull in the usually vibrant district in the wake of the Dec 8 riot and the subsequent clampdown on the sale and consumption of alcohol there.

The police on Wednesday announced a six-month ban on the consumption of alcohol in public areas in Little India and a curtailment of alcohol sales hours for retail shops, among others.

Some businesses hope the foreign workers who have long thronged the area on Sundays will return in a month or so, given that it provides more than just alcohol to the foreign worker community.

“The riot is too recent,” said Mr Dimdin Kader, a staff at Everyman’s Shopping Centre along Veerasamy Road.

“Wait two to three weeks (and) they will come to purchase goods and send money home.”

Like many shopkeepers who stock provisions and other goods or provide remittance services, he has no plans to remodel his business to woo a new clientele — locals and tourists — just yet.

Mr Jayavam Sundram, who works at Jaya Mannan Salon, said he hoped foreign workers — who make up 90 per cent his customers — would return in one to two months, and that the heightened police presence in the area would be toned down.

If business does not pick up, he would be forced to close and “go back to India”, as he does not think his salon, which offers haircuts at S$6 each, will attract many Singaporeans and tourists.

Mr Raja Gopal, Vice-Chairman of the Little India Shopkeepers and Heritage Association, said shopkeepers can come together and set up something like a food court where workers can sit and drink.

“Or they can think about drawing a different crowd by showcasing Indian culture with provisions, saris or tailoring — Little India does not live by alcohol.”

An owner of a shop along Kerbau Road told TODAY she was looking into bringing health supplies to workers’ dormitories, if there is indeed a sharp decline in customers.

Liquor shops, however, seemed resigned to their fate. Mr Sadhasivam Kailasam from New Arasi Trading, which sells mostly alcohol with a selection of toiletries, said there was no point in bringing in fresh produce because the area already has many vegetable shops.

Opinions were split on whether the expected smaller crowd would affect Little India’s charm.

Of the five travel agencies contacted by TODAY, one — Summer Footprints — cancelled tours after the riot, while the others said it was business as usual.

“On the whole, there is no material impact on our tour itineraries. Our topless bus and walking tours that go through Little India are still ongoing,” said a representative from DUCK & HiPPO.

“However, we do miss the crowd and the vibrant atmosphere that give Little India its unique flavour.”

Ms S R Gowri, an administrator at Ayurvedic Health Shop, thought the presence of fewer foreign workers would benefit the district, but Sun Mobile Connection owner Denny Tee felt “it will not be Little India” without the workers. ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY AMANDA LEE