Police Raided 4 Unlicensed KTV-Concept Outlets in a Week

By
Shawn Ambrose
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After the emergence of the KTV lounges cluster and the backlash its visitors and operators triggered online, you’d think that people would learn their lesson.

But no.

Noooooo.

While cases have been dwindling, there are still a high number of unlinked cases, and most residents recognise that the best thing to do is to adhere to the safety regulations in place and wear our masks at all times.

So, naturally, some residents visited KTV-like outlets, massage establishments, and other entertainment outlets in the past week, and many without a mask.

Police Raided 4 Unlicensed KTV-Concept Outlets in a Week

The police raided 92 massage establishments and 23 public entertainment outlets between 2 and 8 Aug, and what they found isn’t exactly surprising.

Among the raided establishments were four unlicensed KTV-concept outlets.

Image: SPF

42 people were found in the four outlets located in Ubi Avenue 3, Kaki Bukit Road 1, Lorong 8 Toa Payoh, and Desker Road.

These people are already living in Phase 6 (Heightened Indifference).

Image: SPF

All 42 are now being investigated for alleged breaches of COVID-19 rules.

88 People Being Investigated

In total, the police are investigating 88 people for various offences.

Five of them – four men and one woman aged between 18 and 31 – are being investigated for allegedly managing unlicensed public entertainment outlets.

24 massage establishments are also being probed for various breaches under the Massage Establishments Act and flouting COVID-19 rules as well.

Both masseuses and customers were found not wearing their masks at these four establishments.

Consequently, 46 people, including operators, masseuses, and customers, are being investigated for their alleged offences.

Fines & Possible Jail Time

The four massage places were dealt with swiftly; all four were ordered to shut for 10 days and fined $1,000 each.

Meanwhile, the errant customers will be fined $300 each for breaching safe management measures.

Those found providing massage services in a massage establishment without a valid licence can be fined $10,000, jailed for up to two years, or both.

And, as you already know, those found breaching COVID-19 regulations can be jailed for up to six months, fined up to $10,000, or both.

A fine of up to $2,000 will be doled out to offenders guilty of supplying liquor or providing public entertainment without a valid licence.

Nightlife Establishments Must Pass Inspection Before Reopening; Private Rooms Must Be Locked

The KTV lounges cluster, while now seemingly controlled, was a huge concern for both residents and the authorities when it was first discovered.

This is why all KTV outlets operating as F&B establishments were ordered to suspend operations for two weeks following the emergence of the KTV cluster.

The two weeks have passed, but these outlets won’t be allowed to reopen immediately.

First, they must pass inspections and receive a conditional permit from the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI).

They will also be required to implement more safe management measures on top of existing ones for the F&B sector.

All employees must also test negative on a PCR test before they can be allowed to resume operations.

The authorities made it clear that all private rooms must be locked and cannot be used for any purpose, like you know, playing Monopoly.

The CCTVs in the establishment must cover all areas of operation, including entrances to locked private rooms.

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Shawn Ambrose
Email: [email protected]