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SINGAPORE – Selected nightlife venues will be able to reopen in December or January under strict safe handling measures, such as wearing masks on the dance floor and showing negative Covid-19 testing prior to entering, as part of a two-year period. a three-month pilot program.
This government announcement on Friday (November 6) about the possible resumption of some nightlife businesses comes about nine months after the closure of nightlife venues such as clubs, karaoke spots and bars without food licenses, which has seen many businesses paralyzed and even closed.
In the first six months of the year alone, 59 nightclubs, discos, dance clubs and karaoke venues finished, according to the Corporate and Accounting Regulatory Authority.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MTI) and the Ministry of the Interior (MHA) said in a joint statement that they are “working with various nightlife business associations to identify a small number of nightlife establishments to participate in the pilots.”
The pub and bar pilot is expected to start in December and last for two months.
However, the pilot test for karaoke establishments and nightclubs will only begin in January of next year, as customers entering the facilities would have to test negative for Covid-19 in the last 24 hours, through a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test or rapid antigen test. test (ART).
The pilot program for karaoke venues and nightclubs will also last longer for three months, MTI and MHA said, because more time is needed to assess the industry’s readiness to reopen. This is due to “much higher risks and the stricter secure management measures required.”
Strict safe management measures will include ensuring that all patrons wear masks at all times, including while on the dance floor or singing karaoke venues. They will only be allowed to remove their masks while eating and drinking.
According to existing regulations, alcohol cannot be sold, served or consumed after 10:30 p.m.
In addition, it will be necessary to activate the closed circuit television cameras that cover all common areas and rooms used for activities. Recordings of them, stored for at least 28 days, will be available for regular review by enforcement agencies. Those who violate the measures will not only face sanctions under the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Act of 2020, but may be removed from the pilot.
Separately, nightlife establishments not participating in the pilot programs will also receive financial support packages to transition to food and beverage operations or to exit with a one-time payment.
Nightlife businesses wishing to switch to F&B or other commercial uses, such as offices or gyms, will be able to apply for a grant of up to $ 50,000 from Enterprise Singapore (ESG) until March 31 of next year. This is to offset costs incurred during the rotation process, such as third party consulting and equipment costs.
For companies that have already pivoted, ESG will provide support on a case-by-case basis.
Alternatively, companies wishing to exit can request a $ 30,000 ex gratia payment from ESG until March 31 of next year to defray the costs of terminating the business. For any downsizing benefits paid to local employees, employers can also seek financial support for one month of salary paid to each employee.
However, MTI and MHA said that if companies choose to receive a financial support package, they will not be allowed to participate in the pilot program or any subsequent resumption of nightlife operations for at least 12 months.
Businesses are encouraged to contact the Singapore Nightlife Business Association (SNBA), which is working closely with MTI and ESG to support the nightlife industry.
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