Critics say Singapore River venues liquor extension is “not going to change anything”
Bars & clubs can stay open one hour later on weekends, but some argue this does little to revive the scene’s deeper problems
Starting August 18, bars, pubs, and nightclubs along the Boat Quay Waterfront, Circular Road, Lorong Telok, and Canton Street will be able to extend their liquor trading hours until 4am on Thursdays and Fridays.
The announcement was made by Minister of State for National Development and Trade and Industry Alvin Tan, and Coordinating Minister for National Security and Minister for Home Affairs K. Shanmugam.
The one-year pilot—jointly launched by Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Trade and Industry, and Ministry of National Development—aims to revitalise the Singapore River precinct following feedback from stakeholders.
Proposals for new venues in the designated areas may also be submitted during the trial.
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Industry players say that the extension could bring benefits not only to nightlife operators but also to transport providers and eateries open late.
Collective Minds Asia co-owner Zaran Vachha says “The extension will encourage the public to go out more and stay out later, which in turn allows venues to create new concepts and music promoters like us to put on more events.”
Zouk Group’s Asia-Pacific senior director of operations, David Long, said: “Consistency is key. From a guest’s perspective, it can be confusing when we’re open until 4am on some nights but only until 3am on others. The change allows us to deliver a better guest experience and supports a steadier flow of business.”
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For some, however, the new measures only scratch the surface.
Blackout Agency’s Zach Kim shared with Mixmag Asia: “Honestly, this 4am extension is pretty much pointless. It’s only for Thursdays and Friday—and just so you know, most of bars clubs are already open until 3am on those nights. So, in reality, this ‘big move’ is just one extra hour. That’s not going to change anything.”
He emphasised that the larger problems remain: “High rent that squeezes venues to death. High alcohol taxes making it too expensive for people to drink out. No late-night public transport, so people leave early (or don’t come out at all) to avoid paying ridiculous surge fares.”
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As mentioned to Channel News Asia earlier this year, Zach had already voiced concerns that “in the end, you’re left with parties that all feel the same and people will eventually lose interest in such repetitive experiences,” referring to how the police force could be more lenient with licensing for events.
He noted then that loosening restrictions and opening up more spaces for creative use could provide the kind of variety that would attract new crowds.
Zach also pointed out that “the one thing that could’ve made a real, tangible difference” would have been bringing back late-night public transport.
“Instead of fixing the foundations, they slap on these superficial changes that look good in a press release but do nothing for the businesses on the ground,” he said.
Via: Channel News Asia
Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.
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