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SINGAPORE – Gemma Steakhouse at the National Gallery of Singapore has been suspended for 20 days for hosting a dinner for 75 guests on October 31 and failing to prevent them from mingling, in a flagrant violation of Covid-19 safe management measures, he said. the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE).
The Singapore Food Agency (SFA), which reports to the ministry, found that a club of private members had worked with the restaurant to organize the Halloween-themed dinner, which was attended by both club members and their guests.
Although diners were seated at tables of up to five people, CCTV footage showed they mixed multiple times and did not wear their masks even when they weren’t eating or drinking, the ministry said.
The images also showed that the restaurant staff did not take reasonable steps to prevent them from intermingling on the premises.
No details were given of the club and those involved. The ministry said: “Investigations are continuing regarding possible breaches by various parties.”
Social gatherings of more than five people are prohibited under Covid-19 regulations. Food and beverage establishments are also prohibited from accepting group reservations of more than five, even if those groups are divided into many tables. Mixing between groups is also not allowed.
The SFA has issued an order requiring the restaurant to close for 20 days from Thursday (December 3) to December 22, for accepting a large group reservation and for failing to take reasonable steps to avoid multiple instances of mixing between the guests. diners.
Meanwhile, the National Gallery said that when informed by authorities of the incident, the Gallery approached the establishment, which is run by food and beverage operator Il Lido, and reinforced its policy of strictly following safe management measures ( SMM).
“The Gallery also facilitated SFA’s investigation into the incident, which later revealed that the restaurant failed to ensure that stipulated SMMs were met despite being informed by the Gallery of government regulations,” he added.
The Gallery said it has issued an official warning letter to Il Lido about the infringement and will enforce strict compliance with the SMM with tenants.
In a statement Friday night, Gemma said she created a themed dinner experience for October 31 and marketed it on the database of a private members club, who acted as her marketing partner.
“For that night, the restaurant received 17 reservations at different tables in groups of four to five guests per table, who arrived at different times,” he said, admitting that the guests had mixed despite attempts at reminders.
“The restaurant is aware that it did not do enough to handle the situation and deeply regrets its actions,” he added, saying that it has been cooperating with SFA and that it will take the next 20 days to strengthen and improve the SMM.
In a Facebook post on Friday, the restaurant apologized to fans and guests, especially those whose reservations were affected. He assured customers that reservations will be open from December 23.
In its statement, MSE said: “The Government has a serious opinion of the flagrant violations of the SMM.”
“Going out to dinner is an activity that involves considerable risks. It implies meeting in closed spaces, without masks and for a long time. Although the majority have been adhering to the measures, it is regrettable that there is a minority that continues to violate SMM”, added.
“We will not hesitate to crack down on the operators and individuals who treat SMMs with blatant disregard.”
The ministry also said that Covid-19 remains a serious threat and that a resurgence of infections, as seen elsewhere, could have devastating effects on lives and livelihoods.
Urging members of the public to be socially responsible, he added: “Our collective efforts will determine whether we will make the transition to phase three.”
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