SPF Investigating 19 People Who Illegally Gathered in an Unlicensed Venue at Balestier Road

Though illegal gatherings have been publicly denounced and penalised, it appears that large groups still continue to convene till this very day.

Much to the chagrin of the Police Force, I’m sure.

SPF Investigating 19 People Who Illegally Gathered in an Unlicensed Venue at Balestier Road

The police are currently investigating 19 individuals aged between 22 and 59, who are believed to have flouted safe distancing measures in an area along Balestier Road.

Apart from the consumption of alcohol, the involved personnel also played games and socialised within the unit.

Apparently, the Police had received intel on a possible illegal gathering on 20 September 2021. They headed down to a mixed-use commercial and residential unit at Balestier Road, where they found 19 people inside.

The unit is believed to have operated as a public entertainment and liquor site without a valid license. Apart from sofas and a TV, the men in blue also found a dartboard, a pool table, a karaoke system and a foosball table.

A 25-year-old man, who is allegedly the unit’s operator, will be investigated for offences under the Public Entertainments Act and Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act 2015.

He will also be investigated for non-compliance with safe distancing measures under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020, alongside the other 18 individuals.

For providing public entertainment and supplying liquor without a valid license, one can face a fine of up to S$20,000. For flouting safe distancing measures under the COVID-19 Regulations 2020, one can face a jail term of up to six months, a fine of up to S$10,000, or both.

The police has also issued a stern warning to the public.

“The Police take a stern view of irresponsible behaviours relating to the flouting of safe distancing measures and offenders will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” they said.

Other Instances

Just recently, officers from Ang Mo Kio Police Division stormed a residential unit in Ang Mo Kio Ave 1 and apprehended nine individuals for supposed gambling-related activities.

The operation was conducted at around 9:30pm. In total, 13 people were found in the unit.

Of the 13, a 39-year-old man and a 28-year-old woman were apprehended for purportedly utilising the space as a common gaming house.

And back in July, multiple raids had been conducted in the space of one week.

In a raid on two units in Lorong 13 Geylang, 19 men were apprehended for alleged offences under the Common Gaming Houses Act and Remote Gambling Act.

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Featured Image: SPF