Skechers & 2 Eateries Fined $1,000 Each for Failing to Enforce Safe-Distancing Measures After Multiple Warnings

By
Sabrina Chua
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After Phase 2 was announced, we all knew that we had to continue wearing our masks and keep to safe distances.

Yes, not everyone followed the rules, which was why the authorities had emphasised that even after Circuit Breaker and into Phase Two, they will still be enforcing the rules.

Phase 2 started on 19 June and since then, Enterprise Singapore (ESG) has already issued four composition fines to multiple businesses and one employee for not keeping to safe distancing measures.

Who Got Fined?

According to the statutory board under the Ministry of Trade and Industry, two food and beverage (F&B) outlets – Shi Li Fang Hot Pot at Junction 10 and New Udon Thai Food at Golden Mile Complex – were fined for not ensuring that their customers were at least one-metre apart either in queues or while they were dining.

The two outlets were also said to have poor crowd control despite numerous warnings (read: chances) given to them, so they were ultimately given composition fines of $1,000 each.

A retail outlet at Causeway Point, Skechers, was also found to have failed in crowd control as there was congestion at its store entrance due to the in-store promotions that were announced a week ago.

Yes, we previously talked about how Skechers was having a $1 promotion on their second pair of footwear. But not this way, man.

Image: Giphy

Last but not least, an employee of Prata Wala at Tampines Mall was given a composition fine of $300 after it was found that the employee did not wear a mask while preparing food, managing the cashier, as well as taking orders.

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Please Follow Safe Distancing Measures

ESG emphasised in their press statement that all businesses, both retail and F&B, have to continue adhering to the safe distancing measures as more people start heading to malls.

It seems that while most businesses try to enforce the required measures, not all of them are successful in complying with the requirements.

There’s a difference.

During inspections, it was noted that there was no enforcement on customers to ensure that they were a safe distance apart from one another.

There were also some people who were not wearing their masks the proper way.

In case you didn’t know, F&B establishments are responsible for ensuring that all their groups of diners are at least one-metre apart from other groups, especially when the diners are sitting back-to-back or in booth seats.

ESG also reminded businesses that there must be proper queue markings indicated and they must continue to exercise crowd control, especially during expected peak periods.

Employees must also wear their face masks properly unless they’re eating or drinking.

You can click here if you would like to view the updated guidelines and the full list of Safe Management Measures.

You Play A Part Too

Other than just condemning the businesses for failing to adhere to the safe distancing measures, please remember that you, as a member of the public, also have the responsibility to continue practising safe distancing.

Your cooperation with the measures put in place by the businesses will help a lot.

I mean, if they had better customers, Moonstone wouldn’t be made to close down temporarily.

ESG also reminded members of the public in their statement, saying, “They must wear masks whenever they are out and limit gatherings to no more than five.”

Please also remember that you are only allowed to remove your masks when you are eating or drinking, not for the entire duration of your meal.

What’s Going To Happen If I Fail To Adhere?

Well, if you committed the offence for the first time, you will be liable for a fine of up to $10,000 and a jail term of up to six months under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act that was passed in Parliament on 7 April.

If it’s not the first time you’re committing the offence, you’ll be liable for a fine of up to $20,000 and a jail term of up to 12 months.

So unless you’ve got a few tens of thousands to give away freely, I’d say it’s best that you just adhere to the measures.

Image: Giphy

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Sabrina Chua
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