SINGAPORE – The Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Bill has been passed in Parliament. Under the new laws, the public will not be allowed to buy alcohol for take-away or consume alcohol at public places from 10.30pm to 7am daily. The new laws are expected to take effect by April 1.

A total of 17 Members of Parliament (MPs) spoke during the debate today (Jan 30) which lasted for nearly four hours.

Some of the concerns raised by the MPs included whether the laws can be flexible for certain activities, such as getai concerts, and venues, such as East Coast Park. There were also concerns about whether the law was too overreaching. Some MPs sought clarifications on how the laws would be applied at hawker centres and foreign workers dormitories, for example.

The bill was introduced earlier this month. Under the new laws, the public will still be allowed to drink at home, at approved events and in licensed establishments such as bars and coffee shops outside of these hours.

Little India and Geylang will be designated Liquor Control Zones, under the new laws. They come under stricter restrictions on alcohol consumption and retail hours of take-away alcohol, based on the police’s operational assessment.