There’s finally a glimmer of light for the nightlife industry in Singapore. After being forced to shut for some nine months, the government has announced that selected venues will be allowed to reopen – but with stringent safe management measures in place.
Come December, under a two-month pilot programme, certain bars and pubs without a food license can operate once again. But karaoke lounges and nightclubs will have to wait till January next year for the pilot to kick in.
Strict safe management measures will have to be adhered to. This includes the wearing of masks at all times, even when on the dance floor or while singing at karaoke lounges. Masks may only be removed when eating or drinking. Similarly, there will be no sale and consumption of alcohol past 10.30pm.p
Closed-circuit television cameras will also have to be activated at all common areas, and recording will be reviewed by enforcement agencies.
In addition, patrons of karaoke lounges and nightclubs will need to test negative for Covid-19 in the last 24 hours prior to entering. According to The Straits Times, talks are still pending in regards to whether these tests will be held on-site, or as a pre-requisite for customers to get tested at clinics before being allowed into the premises.
More details will be finalised closer to the pilot commencement dates.
Separately, the government has also announced a slew of supportive measures to help support the nightlife industries. One of which is the expedited assessment and provision of financial aid for those not participating in the pilot to pivot to F&B, or other commercial uses.