Retailers expect to be hit hard by curbs

SINGAPORE - Shop owners braced themselves for potential losses, as news of the new alcohol restrictions reverberated through the streets of Geylang.

The Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Bill introduced in Parliament yesterday would mean that shops can sell take- away alcohol only until 10.30pm.

But Geylang retailers will be hit doubly hard if the Bill is passed – a large swathe of the area is slated to be a Liquor Control Zone, where there will be further restrictions similar to those in place in Little India following the riot on Dec 8, 2013.

In Little India now, licensed shops can sell alcohol only up to 8pm on weekends, public holidays and the eve of public holidays.

The alcohol-dense Geylang had 183 liquor licences per sq km in 2013, and many shops can sell alcohol until midnight.

All 10 retailers in Geylang contacted by The Straits Times said that most of their alcohol sales occur within those last few hours between 9pm and midnight.

Foreign workers, who make up the bulk of their customers, typically return to their dormitories after work to freshen up and have dinner before heading out for a drink later in the evening.

Mr Deen Malim, 48, the owner of Alfa’s Minimart in Geylang, is certain that this is the death knell.

“It’s bad, it’s very bad news,” he said, adding that alcohol sales make up half of his revenue, and that sales of other items like snacks will also be affected. “This will kill us. Can the Government help us in any way? I don’t know where to go, what to do.”

He had just renewed his rental contract for another two years last August, and pays himself a salary of slightly over $1,000 a month – the only profit he makes, he said.

His sentiments echo those of Mr Junaid Abdul Kader, 70, the owner of a provision shop nearby.

Alcohol sales make up 70 per cent of his revenue. “Actually now, I am only just maintaining. I have to close down my shop.”

Over at minimart Ba Fang Trading, owner Wu Min asked why Geylang was being targeted.

“We have many places selling alcohol here, it’s true”, said the 35-year-old, who predicts that business will fall by 30 per cent. “But you should increase surveillance instead of not letting us sell. Why blame all violent behaviour on alcohol?”

Mr Edwin Tong, who oversees several lorongs in Geylang as MP for Moulmein-Kallang GRC, feels it is important to strike a balance between the new rules and businesses which might be affected by them.

He added that he would speak up against the possible cut-off time for retail sales in Geylang on weekends and public holidays if it is brought forward even earlier, to before 8pm.

The Geylang shopkeepers’ fears echo the reality that many retailers in Little India faced after alcohol sale restrictions were imposed there. Sales plummeted at many shops, with more than 20 of them reportedly closing down.

But last Saturday, Law Minister K. Shanmugam said on Facebook that affected liquor sellers will continue getting help to diversify into other areas, like recreation spots for foreign workers.

“Some of these owners have adjusted their business models and are doing well,” he said, adding that residents believe Little India feels safer now.

The changes may spell good news for non-alcohol retail businesses in the area.

Ms Sunny Sun, 38, owner of Joyfor Backpackers Hostel in Geylang, said that four to five customers cancel their reservations each month after finding out that Geylang is a red-light district.

“We get questions about the safety of the area. The new rules might help clean up the place a little and improve its reputation.”

Mr Sadandan Ramach, 24, a plumber who usually shares a drink or two with friends on the roadside once a week, said there are just too many rules. “It’s stressful,” he said. “There are so many rules, I can’t remember. If I drink in my room I know I’m not breaking any of them.”

This article was first published on January 20, 2015.
Get a copy of The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.