Popular Halal Dimsum Supper Place, Tang Tea House, Suspended For Two Weeks

If you’re a lover of Dim Sum and Fish Head Curry, you might be a fan of Tang Tea House.

The popular eatery at Jalan Kayu has captured the hearts and titilated the taste buds of hungry residents for years.

One look at that blindingly green signboard and you know your mouth is about to be very happy.

Tang Tea House has recently hit the headlines for reasons other than its delicious food, however, as the eatery had been ordered to close, to the dismay of foodies all over the country.

And, unlike many other restaurants lately, it wasn’t for flouting Covid-19 rules.

Tang Tea House, A Popular Halal Dimsum Supper Place, Closed Temporarily By SFA

The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) said it will be suspending the licence of Tang Tea House under the Points Demerit System due to hygiene and administrative issues.

SFA explained that the eatery had accumulated 12 demerit points over a 12-month period, earning it a two-week suspension from 21 Sep to 4 Oct this year.

Tang Tea House was also fined $800 for their offences.

So, what did they do?

According to SFA, the eatery had committed two offences which carry a penalty of 6 demerit points each, namely:

1. Failure to register assistant
2. Failure to keep licensed premises free of cockroach infestation

I guess you can’t blame them for closing the place down.

Tang Tea House was lucky though.

SFA said that establishments that incur 12 or more demerit points during a 12-month period could have their licence suspended for a period of either two or four weeks, or even cancelled.

All food handlers working in suspended premises will also be required to attend and pass the Basic Food Hygiene Course again before they can resume work as food handlers, SFA said.

Nearby Branch Still in Operation

Berita Harian reported that while the 242 Jalan Kayu outlet had closed down, a nearby branch two blocks away was still in operation.

Customers are not allowed to dine-in at the branch, however, as only food delivery and takeaway services are permitted.

Groups Of More Than 5 In Restaurants Will Be Fined, Even If They’re Not Seated Together

In case you’ve forgotten, the authorities introduced a new rule for diners a few days ago.

Customers will now be fined if they come for a meal in groups larger than 5 in public, even if they’re not seated together.

First-time offenders will face a $300 fine, while further offences will incur a $1,000 fine or a date with a court judge.

This means that if you go for lunch with 10 of your friends and sit at different tables, you could still be fined, according to MSE.

Exceptions will only be made for members of the same household, where groups of no more than five will be seated at separate tables, with at least one metre between the tables.

So, even if you plan to head to Tang Tea House once it reopens, remember not to invite your extended family, as it could land both you and the eatery in trouble.