People, not alcohol, cause violence

While the influence of alcohol could have been one of the contributing factors in Sunday’s riot, an alcohol ban at Little India is not the way to go.

It will affect not only businesses, but many other foreigners such as tourists who visit the area and wish to chill out over a drink.

Even locals like myself frequent Little India to eat and drink with friends, except on Sundays.

Surely, many foreigners and locals would not be rowdy and violent after drinking. What is needed is for restaurant and coffee shop owners at Little India to ensure that their customers do not become rowdy and violent.

Even with an alcohol ban, the foreign workers could congregate elsewhere to drink, be it Chinatown, Joo Chiat, Beach Road or even Orchard Road. If they do, I doubt alcohol would be banned at such places too.

So, what is needed is to ensure that foreigners and locals alike do not disturb the public peace when they drink. Alcohol does not cause violence; people cause violence.

The companies responsible for hiring foreign workers must also ensure that their workers do not bring problems to Singapore, by ensuring that those employed do not have criminal records as well as drinking and gambling problems.

If they do, then the chances of them causing trouble are likelier.