News

183 People Under Investigation After Police Conducted Raids on Illegal Nightspots

2021-11-04 , 3:46 pm

Between 13 Sep and 23 Oct, 70 entertainment and nightlife outlets were checked by the Singapore Police Force (SPF).

And as expected, 15 of these outlets were found to have committed various breaches including:

Flouting COVID-19 measures
Breaches under the Public Entertainments Act
Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act 2015
and other laws as well

A total of 183 people are being investigated by the police. There are three significant incidents during the checks:

2 Oct: Unlicensed “KTV-concept” Outlet

A shophouse unit along Syed Alwi Road has an unlicensed “KTV-concept”, as the unit contains several private rooms with karaoke equipment. Bottles of liquor were found as well.

Aged between 18 to 33, eight men and one woman were found. A 21-year-old who seemed to be the purported operator of the outlet was found to be in possession of illegal substances. These substances are believed to be controlled drugs.

The 21-year-old, a man and woman aged between 18 and 21 years old were arrested.

4 Oct: Large Gathering Along Upper Paya Lebar Road

On 4 Oct, the SPF received a call informing them of a large gathering in a mixed-use office-cum-industrial building along Upper Paya Lebar Road.

Apparently, a common gaming house seemed to be in operation in that building. A 28-year-old man seemed to be the operator and he was also helped by another 28-year-old man.

10 men and three women between the age of 21 and 51 were allegedly found playing poker and pool. There was also a poker table and pool table installed in the unit. The gambling-related equipment and paraphernalia were seized for investigations.

The unit also has a private room that looks like a KTV room with a karaoke system, speakers and microphone. Pretty sure they were not made for a Powerpoint presentation.

A 25-year-old who was not present during the checks is being investigated. It was not revealed how he was involved in this incident.

23 Oct: Unlicensed “KTV-Concept” Outlet Along Tagore Lane

The SPF also received a call for assistance along Tagore Lane (suffice to say, snitching does work). Apparently, there was an unlicensed “KTV-concept” outlet operating within a mixed-use office-cum-industrial unit there.

There were 55 people aged between 18 to 45 years old found there. 16 of them are women and 39 of them are men.

This unlicensed “KTV-concept” outlet was fancier than the other two locations with two decks, each containing a lounge area. The lounge area even had karaoke systems, speakers, flashing lights and televisions.

Of course, bottles of liquor were found. Two men who were the alleged operators of this unit, aged between 31 and 35 were arrested for several offences.

Punishments

Those that are found not adhering to the safe distancing measures under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures)(Control Order) Regulations 2020, may be jailed for up to six months, fined up to S$10,000 or both.

Those found supplying alcohol illegally and providing public entertainment without a valid licence can be fined up to S$20,000 for each offence.