Operators welcome police’s renewed push to curb violent crime in nightspots

SINGAPORE — Some nightclub operators have welcomed the police’s renewed “smart clubbing” initiative to curb escalating violence at nightspots across Singapore, as they reiterated that simple measures could go a long way in defusing potential alcohol-fuelled aggression. 

On Tuesday (Oct 15), Mr Amrin Amin, Senior Parliamentary Secretary for Home Affairs, launched the second edition of a police campaign which will focus on curbing violent crime in nightspots. Under the initiative, police will form support networks with clusters of neighbouring public entertainment outlets to act as “additional eyes and ears” for each other to stop disputes escalating into full-blown fights.

In the first eight months of the year, violent crimes such as rioting, fights in public places and serious hurt among party-goers grew by 55 per cent despite the police’s “smart clubbing” campaign launched last year.

Speaking to TODAY, several nightspot operators described their own methods for keeping rowdy patrons in line. 

Mr Daniel Cheng, 40, managing director of Get Juiced in Clarke Quay, which is frequented by clubbers aged between 18 and 23, said that a “cool down” period could turn an aggressive person apologetic.

"Sometimes they turn around and say things like, 'I don’t know what got into me. I am so sorry, bro',” Mr Cheng said.

His bar sets up "water towers" that are free for its patrons to use, so that they do not get too intoxicated and “lose themselves” even as they have a great time, Mr Cheng added.

Staff members will also wear badges to indicate that they are available whenever patrons need any kind of help beyond just serving them drinks.

And should any fights break out, 16 bouncers are on hand at any given time to manage the tension before the police are called in.

Mr Gabriel Ling, 29, operations manager at Empire Sky Lounge in Raffles Place, said that the protocol at the bar is that employees should “not lay a finger” on trouble-making customers “unless absolutely necessary”, so as not to escalate the matter.

Staff members politely ask such customers to leave the bar, he added.

Ms Kimberly Panganiban, 39, operations manager of Highlander bar in Clarke Quay, said that the standard operating procedure is to take any commotion outdoors, to a more open environment, and call the police.

“Don’t try to break up the fight immediately,” she said. “Staff don’t confront (the matter) themselves (but alert the security personnel).”

A spokesperson at Marina Bay Sands’ nightclub Marquee and cocktail lounge Avenue told TODAY that its strategy is to introduce a “recovery bay”, an area that allows patrons to rest and recuperate, or seek medical assistance if needed.

Although violent crime is on the rise, the head of security at Clarke Quay’s F Club Attica, who wanted to be known only as Rocky, suspects that it could be due to another reason.

Rocky, 36, said that breaches such as public disturbance are now “well attended by the police” instead of getting “thrown under the carpet”.

He said that this was a marked improvement from the situation five or 10 years ago.

He also believes that the crimes are "less serious" even if numbers are higher: “Cases today are simpler to handle, and are mostly silly fights breaking out among people who bang into one another at the club.”