Tekka hawkers say new rule will be a double-whammy for them

SINGAPORE — The police decision to impose further curbs on alcohol sales and consumption at Tekka Food Centre has left hawkers there perplexed, as they wonder how the restrictions would eliminate the problems that sparked the move.

The large groups of drinkers gathered there could just start earlier to get around the 6pm cutoff on Sundays, they said, but the hit to their takings will still sting. Some also wondered if the authorities would approach similar problems elsewhere in the same manner. The curbs take effect on Aug 1.

Members of Parliament (MP) interviewed, however, said the decision would have been taken after careful consideration of feedback from all quarters. They also noted that counter-proposals from some hawkers, such as increasing patrols, have limitations.

Last Friday, the police informed hawkers at Tekka that they would shorten alcohol sales and consumption hours on Sundays by six hours owing to the large congregation of drinkers there on those evenings, which could also pose law-and-order risks.

MP Melvin Yong, who oversees the area, also said on Wednesday that finding a seat was another problem cited, adding that some other stall-holders have chosen to close on Sunday evenings because the hawker centre was predominantly occupied by alcohol drinkers then.

But a drinks stall assistant who wanted to be known only as Mr Neo said shortening the alcohol trading hours might not solve the disamenities, such as disturbances to other patrons or the occasional fights. “If they come here and drink at 4pm, they will still talk loudly or end up fighting,” said the 36-year-old in Mandarin.

An assistant at a Western food stall, who gave his name as Mr Goh, 58, added that the same problems could just be displaced elsewhere. “Will the Government impose a similar ban in another place next time?” he asked.

Western-food stall owner Goh Lee Huang added that her takings would fall because the Sunday crowd — mostly foreign workers — would usually order chicken wings to go with their beer.

“When people know there is no beer to drink here in the evenings, they may not choose to come here to eat anymore,” said the 55-year-old.

Patrons and residents of the area, however, said getting a place at the food centre can be difficult during weekends.

Mr Dhilip, who goes by one name, and heads to Tekka Food Centre every Sunday to meet his friends, said the place is packed with foreign workers in the evenings. “Sometimes it can be hard to get a seat,” said the 30-year-old cook.

MP Patrick Tay, who sits on the Government Parliamentary Committee (GPC) for Home Affairs and Law, added that the “safety and security of people who are in the vicinity are paramount”. He added: “I believe the police consulted with residents, grassroots, business owners and other agencies before their decision.”

Dr Tan Wu Meng, who is also a member of the GPC, added: “It’s about finding a balance between business interests and community needs. A number of small-business owners and stallholders are Singaporeans, too, and want to earn a living. But it’s also important that residents in the neighbourhood don’t suffer from too many disamenities.”

Meanwhile, the police gave more details about the appeals process against decisions by the Home Affairs Minister to shorten trading hours. There are 10 liquor licensees at Tekka and some of them have written in about the new rule, while an official appeal has been filed with the Liquor Appeal Board.

In response to TODAY’s queries, the police said the appeal board is appointed by the Home Affairs Minister, and is made up of representatives from both the public and private sectors across various industries.

“The duration for processing each appeal would depend on the circumstances and facts of the appeal,” they added.