Debunking the myths of the Liquor Control Bill

SINGAPORE - Draconian. Restrictive. Unfair.

These were some responses when the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Bill was tabled in Parliament on Monday.

But these proposed measures were a result of public concern over excessive alcohol consumption and drunkenness in public spaces since September 2012.

During public consultations and discussions with stakeholders, there was strong support from the majority for measures to better manage retail sale hours for takeaway liquor and the consumption of liquor in public places.

Here are some misconceptions about the new proposed Bill:

1 I WON'T BE ABLE TO DRINK ALCOHOL IN PUBLIC

FACT: Drinking is prohibited in public places, such as parks and void decks, only from 10.30pm to 7am every day.

You can still drink at home and in licensed premises (such as bars and coffee shops, restaurants) during the restricted hours.

2 I WON'T BE ABLE TO BUY ALCOHOL AFTER 10.30PM

FACT: You won't be able to buy alcohol from retail shops after 10.30pm, in line with the restrictions on public drinking.

But you can still buy liquor after 10.30pm if you are drinking in licensed premises such as restaurants, coffee shops or bars, during the hours stipulated in their licences.

3 SINGAPORE'S ALCOHOL LAWS ARE VERY STRICT COMPARED TO OTHER COUNTRIES

FACT: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) studied liquor control measures in cities in Australia, the US and the UK. These cities have significantly stricter measures than those proposed by the local Bill.

In New York City for instance, drinking of alcohol in public is not allowed at all times.

In Brisbane, retail sale hours for takeaway liquor end at 10pm and licensed premises may serve liquor to patrons only up to midnight, with extensions granted in some cases.

WHAT IF I WANT TO DRINK IN LITTLE INDIA AND GEYLANG?

More details will be released at a later date, but you can expect similar restrictions as those applied to Little India under the Public Order (Additional Temporary Measures) Act.

Under this Act, alcohol consumption in public places within the Little India special zones is prohibited on weekends, public holidays and eve of public holidays.

Retail sale of takeaway liquor is prohibited from 8pm to 6am on weekends, public holidays and eve of public holidays.

Liquor-related offences committed within such a zone will result in an enhanced penalty of 1.5 times that in non-designated areas.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I GET CAUGHT?

In the proposed Bill, those found guilty of drinking after 10.30pm in a public place will face a fine of up to $1,000.

A repeat offender will face the possibility of a fine of up to $2,000, and a jail term of up to three months.

A licensee who sells alcohol beyond trading hours stipulated in his licence may be liable to a fine not exceeding $10,000.

An MHA spokesman said: "With the proposed Bill, the police will now be able to take a more calibrated approach in its enforcement based on the circumstances of the situation."

For example, if a person is caught drinking liquor in a public place during the restricted hours for the first time, he will first be asked to dispose of the liquor. His particulars will also be taken down.

If he is deemed to have caused public annoyance, the police will advise him to leave the place.

If he complies, no further action will be taken.

But if the person ignores the advice, or if he is a recalcitrant offender, the police may consider stiffer action such as issuing him a composition fine or arresting him.

This article was first published on January 21, 2015.
Get The New Paper for more stories.