Gemma Steakhouse Apologises for Disappointing Supporters & Guests; Claims to Respect the Decision of Authorities

We might be months into Covid-19 with plenty of time to adjust, and obey, Covid-19 safe management measures but from time to time, we still hear news like these:

Gemma Steakhouse Allegedly Organises Halloween Party For 75 Pax

Yes, you heard that right.

Seventy. Five.

According to a press release by the Ministry of Sustainability and Environment (MSE) on 4 Dec, Gemma Steakhouse at National Gallery had held a Halloween-themed dinner party on 31 Oct 2020.

MSE was alerted to the incident and, after investigations, found that the establishment had allegedly worked together with a private club to arrange the event.

The party was attended by 75 people consisting of the club’s members and their guests.

While the guests were seated in tables of five, CCTV footage showed guests from different tables mingling together, with some not wearing their masks even when they weren’t eating or drinking.

According to the current Covid-19 safe management measures, social gatherings of more than 5 pax outside a residence is not allowed and restaurants are not allowed to accept bookings of more than 5 pax either.

Penalties

For their actions, the Steakhouse was ordered to close from 3 Dec 2020 to 22 Dec 2020.

Investigations are being conducted to ferret out the breaches by the various parties present.

MSE added that while a majority of people in Singapore adhere to safe management measures faithfully, there is still a minority who persists in breaching the rules, which may bring about another outbreak of Covid-19 infections.

Case in point, the first local transmission case after 15 days of Singapore not having any local transmission cases.

They urge people in Singapore not to be complacent and take a look at other countries where Covid-19 is, once again, running rampant, devastating lives and livelihoods.

Gemma Steakhouse Responds

In a Facebook post on the same day, Gemma Steakhouse apologises for their actions to supporters and guests, especially to those whose reservations were affected by the enforced closure.

They added that they respect the “decision of the authorities” and will make use of the next few weeks to “elevate safe management measures” at the steakhouse.

Meanwhile, they added that reservations are still open for 23 Dec 2020.

You can read their full Facebook post below:

Lukewarm Response

The response to Gemma’s apology, however, wasn’t positive.

One said that they should apologise to the community, and not just their guests whose reservations are affected.

A few netizens also took offence at how Gemma Steakhouse will “respect the decision” of the authorities:

Several netizens also allegedly had their comments hidden and called Gemma out for it.

What do you think of their apology?

Featured Image: Google Maps / Facebook (Gemma)