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SINGAPORE, Sept. 20 (The Straits Times / ANN): With the government cracking down on food and beverage outlets (F&B) for circumventing Covid-19 secure management measures last weekend, establishments in Popular spots such as Bugis, Orchard Road and Tanjong Pagar have also come under increased scrutiny.
Safe distancing ambassadors have been doing daily checks in these areas, F&B traders said.
When The Straits Times visited about 30 food and beverage outlets in these areas on Friday night (September 18), many of the outlets were buzzing with activity. Most of the operators ST spoke to said they had to reject groups of more than five or split them into separate tables that were not side by side.
Dyan Moreno, supervisor of the 2D1N Soju Bang Korean barbecue restaurant on Tanjong Pagar Road, said he met with groups of more than five each night.
ST observed that a group of eight, who had made a reservation, were led to the upstairs seating area.
“Before we accept the reservation, we inform you that you will be seated at separate tables and cannot be changed (seats). We usually place them far apart so that they cannot mix,” Ms. Moreno said.
Several other Korean barbecues on the same stretch said they turn away groups of more than five, even if they are members of the same household, as it is difficult to determine if they live at the same address.
The owner of a stew restaurant on Liang Seah Street, who declined to be named, said he accepts only groups of up to five because he feels there is a lack of clarity about the group’s allowed capacity and whether the restaurant will be penalized for drinking. in larger groups, even if they are seated separately.
“It’s not really worth paying the $ 1,000 fine if we get caught breaking the rules, so we prefer to play it safe by only accepting groups of five. Also, accepting larger groups would mean that more manpower has to be deployed. to ensure these tables don’t get mixed up, which becomes difficult to handle, especially on busy days like Friday and Saturday nights, “he said.
The nightly crowd at the popular Boat Quay area off the Singapore Riverfront, as seen on September 18, 2020. – The Straits Times / Asian News Network
However, some other restaurants on the same stretch appeared to be flagrantly breaking the rules.
This was the case in a Chinese kabob restaurant, where ST observed a group of nine customers sitting outdoors at two separate tables, mingling with each other during the meal.
One particular member of the group was constantly moving between the two tables to interact with his friends, and the restaurant waiter was also seen occasionally joining the two tables for a drink.
This is despite stricter enforcement by the government. The Health Ministry said on September 9 that companies and individuals who break the rules will have to take enforcement action against them for the first offense, without a warning. Sanctions could include fines, lockdowns and prosecution, depending on the severity, he added.
At Bottoms Up, a bar on Telok Ayer Street, which ST said was fined last week for failing to adhere to safe driving measures, patrons were seen drinking and standing around tables outside.
The owner, Kapilan Shanmugam, said he has received inquiries from groups, including those who wanted to hold celebrations at the bar. But these have been rejected as they are likely to get mixed up.
“For other groups, such as a group of seven, we divide them into two tables with a space between them. They can still be seen, but they are separated,” Kapilan said, adding that the bar has removed some tables since it received the fine.
The bar is currently operating at about 70 percent of its pre-Covid-19 capacity of about 100.
The crowd inside Ice-Cold Beer on September 18, 2020. Owner Tanan Tay said it is now operating at around 40 percent of its capacity compared to pre-Covid-19 times. – The Straits Times / Asian News Network
A Blu Jaz Cafe staff member on Bali Lane who wanted to be known only as Christopher said that the cafe’s last alcohol order is at 9:30 pm, and their customers are told to finish their drinks before 10 : 15 pm, so that staff have enough time to clear at 10.30 pm.
“There are times when wandering customers get loud when drunk and uncooperative when we have to start putting their drinks away, but overall, we can keep things under control. Most of our customers have been helpful and upholding the rules. , which we really appreciate. “
Boat Quay, with its stretch of watering holes on Circular Road and facing the bank of the Singapore River, hummed as usual, with no safe-distance red-shirted ambassador in sight. However, diners and restaurants mostly complied, with several closing businesses and clearing customers well before the 10:30 p.m. cut-off time.
The popular Mogambo dive bar on Canton Street was packed with tables when ST visited around 9.45pm But around 10.30pm, the lights went out in the venue, which was cleared of all glasses, customers, and even their tables. outdoor.
At several riverfront restaurants, staff were observed explaining to customers why they had to clean glasses early, even staying at the table or keeping a close eye on them while they finished their drinks as the 10.30pm deadline approached. Most of the customers didn’t make a fuss and did what they were told.
In the heart of Orchard Road, Emerald Hill, with its list of long-running bars tucked away in restored shops, was a model for safe distancing practices.
Tanan Tay, chief operating officer of three Emerald Hill establishments – Spanish tapas bar Que Pasa, No.5 Emerald Hill cocktail bar and Ice-Cold Beer bar – said they are now operating at about 40 percent of its capacity compared to before Covid-19. times.
The entry points to the three sister locations are now located on the five foot path rather than the front of the store, to control the crowd entering.
Customers are also encouraged to leave their phone numbers on the bars so that staff can call them once a table is available, rather than having them wait in line outside.
The staff has been briefed on how to handle intermingling cases between tables, which Tay recognized is “human behavior.” Groups of more than five are also not allowed. But she said that customers have understood each other.
“The customer is kindly told the first time, a second time, and then the manager is called,” he said, adding that the bars have not had to kick out any unruly customers because “usually by then, they go away alone.” – The Straits Times / Asian News Network
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