12 People Under Investigation for Breaking Safe Distancing Regulations in Joo Chiat Shophouse

The COVID-19 pandemic has shown that Singaporeans can largely be split into two categories.

The first is Residents Who Obey The Law. 

The second is Residents Who Would Risk Jail Time to Party. 

At beginning of the pandemic, when the government introduced new rules to safeguard the community, many people were resistant, but could blame it on needing time to adapt to the new situation.

Now that over a year has passed since the coronavirus landed on our shores, we should be more than familiar with all the restrictions in place, and have no problem abiding by them, right?

Right?

Nope.

12 People Under Investigation for Breaking Safe Distancing Regulations in Joo Chiat Shophouse

12 people are being investigated by the police for allegedly breaking safe-distancing rules in a shophouse unit in Joo Chiat.

The group included seven men and five women aged between 20 and 44.

In a police raid on Tuesday (30 Mar), the group was found allegedly drinking alcohol, singing karaoke, and socialising in the shophouse unit.

The police said they seized karaoke equipment as a case exhibit.

Police officers also found that the business at the shophouse did not have any public entertainment licence or liquor licence.

The individual believed to be in charge of operations at the shophouse, a 27-year-old man, will be investigated for offences under the Public Entertainments Act and Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act 2015.

If convicted of providing public entertainment or supplying liquor without a valid licence, the man could be fined up to S$20,000 for each offence.

The police reminded members of the public to take the prevailing safe-distancing measures seriously.

As we all know by now, those found guilty of offences under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020 face up to six months’ imprisonment, a fine of up to S$10,000, or both.

6 F&B Outlets Ordered to Close

Just a few days ago, the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) said that six F&B outlets have been ordered to close, while three others were fined for breaching COVID-19 safety regulations.

The outlets suspended include Club Mao by Barcode at Oriental Plaza, Club Bubbery at Oriental Plaza, and De Luxy at Bugis Cube.

There were all ordered to suspend operations for 10 days.

Three outlets were also fined between $1,000 to 2,000 for their breaches. They include Destiny Japanese KTV Pub at Cuppage Plaza, Chinatown Seafood Restaurant on Trengganu Street, and Alankar Restaurant at Dunlop Street.

Feature Image: Princess_Anmitsu / Shutterstock.com (Image is for illustration purposes only)