SINGAPORE — The Government looks set to extend a ban on alcohol consumption in public areas in Little India — part of a wider ban imposed last weekend — which was among the suggestions put up by the Little India Shopkeepers and Heritage Association (LISHA) during a meeting with the authorities today (Dec 17).

Details of the measure – along with possible restrictions on the sale of alcohol – are expected to be announced tomorrow.

In the aftermath of the riot on Dec 8, the consumption and sale of alcohol was banned in Little India last weekend as a temporary measure to give the police time to assess situation. The move inflicted significant loss of earnings for businesses there.

Speaking to reporters after a visit to a foreign workers’ dormitory yesterday, Second Home Affairs Minister S Iswaran said: “The prohibition of the consumption of alcohol in public spaces (in Little India) will continue... for the time being.”

On the sale of alcohol in the area, he added that the police have been in discussions with stakeholders on what restrictions to put in place.

He did not elaborate on whether the revised measures will be in force only during the weekends, or on weekdays as well. 

LISHA Vice-Chairman Raja Gopal said that he met representatives from the Liquor Licensing Board to discuss the concerns of stakeholders in the area. The association suggested a ban on the consumption of food and alcohol on the streets of Little India and that the authorities disallow the sale of liquor after 10pm, he said. Elaborating on the suggestions, he said foreign workers should eat and drink inside eateries, like everyone else, and not congregate at public spaces. On the impact such a proposal could have on liquor shops that do not have seating areas, he reiterated that “national interest” comes before business considerations.

He said that the restricted sale hours of alcohol could work in tandem with curfews set by dormitories. However, dormitory operators should not stop their workers from going to Little India on their days off, he said, adding that many go there not just to drink, but also to socialise and buy groceries.

Speaking at press conference held at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean said the Government has been “proactively engaging LISHA and other stakeholders” as part of the review of measures regarding the sale and consumption of alcohol in Little India.

“In the next day or two, Police will finalise and announce the revised measures for Little India after taking into consideration the views of the different stakeholders,” he said. “These revised measures are likely to remain in place, for the time being, with adjustments at the margins as necessary. Measures for the longer-term will take into consideration feedback from the ongoing public consultations on liquor sales and consumption in public places, and the Committee of Inquiry’s findings and recommendations.”

Where necessary, new laws and regulations will be enacted, he added.

Meanwhile, businesses in Little India which TODAY spoke to were receptive of a restriction on alcohol sale hours, rather than a ban on the selling of liquor. Echoing the views of other shopkeepers in the area, Mr Puga N, owner of Nila Enterprises, a liquor stall along Chander Road, said: “If the (sales) ban lasts for just one weekend, I support the Government’s decision, but if it’s going to be long-term I might have to close.”

Mr David Yeo, owner of Yeo Buan Heng Liquor Shop, said he has stopped getting alcohol from his suppliers. There were cartons of beer unsold in his shop which would be expiring in a month’s time, he lamented. ADDITIONAL REPORTING BY XUE JIANYUE.