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SINGAPORE: Three bars and pubs will be allowed to reopen for two months under a small-scale pilot program for the nightlife industry, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MTI) and the Ministry of Industry said on Tuesday (December 8). Interior (MHA). ).
The three bars and pubs are Bar Kiharu at Orchard Plaza, Bell Bar at Cuppage Plaza, and Skinny’s Lounge at Boat Quay.
They were selected after a “careful review” of the six nominations MTI and MHA received, including an assessment of the operators’ readiness and ability to comply with prescribed safe management measures, the ministries said in a joint press release.
READ: 5 Things You Should Know Before Visiting Bars Under The COVID-19 Nightlife Pilot
The multi-ministerial COVID-19 task force said on October 20 that bars, pubs, nightclubs, discos and karaoke lounges “will not be allowed to reopen in their original form for some time, as nature of its activities poses a high risk of COVID-19 Transmission “.
On November 6, MTI and MHA said that a “limited number” of nightlife establishments would be allowed to reopen with COVID-19 security measures in place under a pilot program, and announced details of the program.
“The pilots aim to establish the viability and robustness of the strict safe management measures and the nightlife industry’s ability to comply with them, before the Government considers allowing further steps in the resumption of nightlife businesses.” the ministries said Tuesday.
READ: ‘Whatever it takes’: Nightlife venues interested in reopening grapple with strict COVID-19 rules
Interested outlets had to submit proposals to the Singapore Nightlife Business Association or the Singapore River One Association on how they intend to safely reopen, including their plans to implement the required COVID-19 security measures.
Nightlife business associations were allowed to designate appropriate outlets to participate in the pilot program.
SECURE MANAGEMENT MEASURES
In addition to complying with current safe distancing rules and safe workplace management measures, all three locations must ensure that clients, visitors, and workers do not provide or tolerate hostess services and that interactions between members of the staff and customers are not longer than is normally necessary ”to serve food and beverages or to accept payment.
Venues must also implement TraceTogether-only SafeEntry, as well as deploy and activate CCTV cameras at all times and keep recordings for at least 28 days.
They should also “strongly advise customers not to visit more than one nightlife establishment per night, in light of public health considerations associated with COVID-19,” the ministries said.
The size of the groups remains restricted to five people without intermingling between groups, and must be maintained at least 1 m between different groups of clients.
The sale, service and consumption of alcohol must cease at 10.30pm and customers must wear masks at all times unless eating or drinking.
Live music, radio broadcasts and all forms of television or video and other forms of public entertainment such as dancing, darts, billiards, billiards or karaoke are not allowed, the ministries said.
READ: COVID-19: Social gatherings of up to 8 people can be allowed in Phase 3, says Gan Kim Yong
“Participating operators must adhere to the strict safe management measures in place for the nightlife industry at all times,” said MTI and MHA.
“During the pilot, the law enforcement agencies will monitor compliance by these means and their clients with the safe management measures.
“In the event of non-compliance, compliance actions will be taken under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act of 2020, and the participating operator may be removed from the pilot.
“The operator may also be liable for a fine of up to S $ 10,000 or imprisonment for a period of up to six months or both.”
The ministries added that pilot tests for karaoke venues and nightclubs are expected to begin next month.
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