SINGAPORE — Despite the emergence of a Covid-19 cluster among KTV lounges, three former nightlife establishments that converted to food-and-beverage (F&B) operations have had their food licences revoked, following enforcement checks over the past week by the authorities.

The establishments are The Charm at 150 South Bridge Road, Icon II at 35 Selegie Road and Frederico’s Paddles Too Pub and Cafeteria located at 11 East Coast Road.

They were found to have breached safety regulations to curb the spread of Covid-19 and must stop operations with immediate effect, the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) said in a statement on Friday (July 23).  

These nightspots were caught for allowing the playing of games within their premises, failing to minimise interaction between staff members and customers, as well as providing hostessing services.

Of the three venues, two were caught breaking the rules before the mandatory two-week suspension of operations imposed on nightspots from July 16 to 30.

One of them — Federico’s Paddles Too Pub and Cafeteria — broke the rules after the suspension was put in place. 

“Pivoted nightlife establishments must comply strictly with the ongoing mandatory two-week suspension of operations,” MSE said.

They will not be allowed to resume operations after the suspension period until they pass inspections and receive written approval from the Singapore Food Agency.

“This suspension period will serve to keep our community safe by allowing time for all employees at pivoted nightlife establishments to be tested and for enforcement agencies to conduct checks to ensure that (safe management) protocols are in place,” MSE said.

“Any pivoted nightlife establishment found to be operating during the mandatory period of suspension will face firm enforcement action, including prosecution and the permanent cancellation of licences for food, public entertainment and liquor.”

F&B OUTLETS FINED, ORDERED TO CLOSE

Separately, 18 F&B outlets were ordered to close for breaking Covid-19 regulations.

These included The Penny Black pub located at Boat Quay, the KFC fast-food outlet in Far East Plaza, and East Ocean Teochew Restaurant located in Ngee Ann City.

They failed to ensure patrons across tables were seated at least 1m apart, allowed groups that exceeded the group size cap for diners, and allowed groups that were not from the same household to be seated across multiple tables, among other things.

Four other businesses were fined between S$1,000 and S$2,000 each for failing to comply with the rules, MSE said. 

Eight people were also fined S$300 each for gathering in groups larger than the permitted group sizes while dining at the various F&B outlets.

PARKS AND BEACHES

From July 17 to 20, 79 people ignored safety ruling at parks and beaches managed by the National Parks Board (NParks) and were fined.

They were caught not wearing masks when not engaging in strenuous exercise and gathering in groups larger than the permitted limit.

Another 1,500 advisories were issued to people for not wearing masks or for gathering in groups larger than the existing size cap.

In one such instance, a group of 15 people were caught gathering at Changi Beach Park. NParks will be taking appropriate enforcement action against them.