HDB shops warned for violating outdoor display area guidelines

SINGAPORE — A quarter of Housing and Development Board (HDB) shops recently inspected were found to have infringed the guidelines for outdoor display areas. Following islandwide checks on 962 shops in October and November last year, 203 shops were issued verbal advice, while 27 others were given written warnings. Five shopkeepers were given summons.

National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan said that while most shopkeepers would promptly take corrective action when reminded, summonses had to be issued to some.

Designated spaces for outdoor display areas along public pathways are marked by yellow boxes and that is where shopkeepers can display their goods. Mr Khaw wrote on his blog that some shopkeepers have gone overboard in the run-up to the Chinese New Year by stacking and displaying goods, going beyond the spaces designated for outdoor displays. This can greatly inconvenience shoppers and hinder the traffic flow, as well as compromise the safety of residents, he said. ChannelNewsAsia