SINGAPORE — There are signs visitors are slowly returning to Little India, almost two weeks after a riot broke out there.

Some shops are seeing a slight improvement in business.

One of the outdoor cafes in Little India, where the alcohol ban has been lifted, has brought back some customers.

But people at the cafe told Channel NewsAsia it is still far from business as usual.

Some businesses estimate a 10 to 20 per cent increase in visitor numbers compared to one week before, saying they are are also seeing a different customer profile.

Mr Haja Hameed, shopkeeper at provision shop A H Siddeque Mart, said: “During weekends, this area is patronised by foreign workers and labourers. But currently, even families are coming down, locals are patronising the places.”

Mr N Manickam, manager at Masala Hut, a restaurant which serves beer, said: “Nowadays, no one is demanding beer. There is no crowd for the beer.”

A ban on drinking in public places continues, but at least one person was spotted drinking quietly at an open walkway.

Hotels which Channel NewsAsia spoke with have seen no impact on bookings. There were queries following the riot, but no cancellations.

Charles Chua, senior customer service operation manager at Madras Hotel, said: “These reservations were made much earlier. Every December is peak season, so the impact is not much. But what’s next is uncertain.”

Like hotel guests, residents in the area are enjoying the smoother traffic, as many foreign workers are staying away.

Residents also said a welcome change is the clear, rubbish-free walkways. CHANNEL NEWSASIA