Being a first-world metropolis teeming with energy, boasting a wide array of glitzy, world-renowned clubs, a bustling bar scene and so much more, Singapore makes for a mighty fine place for you and your mates to party like there’s no tomorrow.
In Singapore, safety and security sit at the helm of our government’s list of priorities which has, as of late, led them to introduce a slew of drinking laws—you can thank the 2013 Little India Riots for that.
That said, the nightlife culture is still pretty much unchanged save for a few rules and regulations to abide by. To save you the hassle of dealing with the authorities, here is a list of drinking laws in Singapore.
1. No Sale Of Alcohol Past 10:30 PM
In light of the whole Little India Riot snafu that took place back in 2013, the Singapore government issued the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act, a statute that prohibits the sale of alcohol between 10.30pm and 7am at supermarkets, convenience stores, petrol stations and the like.
Places such as Geylang and Little India—considered to be problematic areas given the sort of crowd they attract—are marked as “Liquor Control Zones” and come under stricter restrictions.
In other words, either you begin your pre-drinking earlier or you drink at the bar or club itself.
2. No Consumption Of Alcohol In A Public Place After 10:30 PM
The statute also dictates that the consumption of alcohol in public spaces between 10.30pm and 7am is prohibited as well. Violators that are caught drinking outside past the stipulated timing may be fined up to S$1000.
There is a loophole though, the act does not regulate drinking in a private place meaning that it’s totally fine to drink at your own home or at a friend’s place past 10.30pm!
3. No Sale Of Alcohol To Minors
This one’s pretty much a no-brainer. If you’re not 18 and above, you can’t purchase alcohol. Although underage drinking is not criminalised in Singapore (not yet anyway), it’s still very much frowned upon.
4. Foods Containing Alcohol Can Now Be Purchased
Back when the law was just introduced, there was an awkward grey area whereby many shops prohibited the sale of certain alcoholic ice creams and food products containing alcohol.
That, however, has been abolished. The Ministry of Home Affairs probably realised that you’re more likely to get fat off all of that rum raisin ice cream quicker than you’d actually get drunk off it.
5. Age Limit To Enter A Club
There are no laws that stipulate the minimum age to enter clubs. In fact, age limits are set by the clubs themselves depending on the sort of crowd they want to attract.
However, since clubs serve alcohol, the legal age still applies and persons under the age of 18 will still be denied entry to one regardless.
6. Penalties For Drink Driving
Currently, the different punishments under the existing law span from disqualification from driving for a year, being fined up to S$10,000 to facing jail time for up to a year.
Drinking Laws As Per Circuit Breaker: Phase 2
No Alcohol To Be Sold After 10.30 PM
All restaurants and bars are not allowed to sell alcohol past 10.30 PM and likewise, all patrons must finish up their drinks before the stipulated time. Penalties for breaching this new rule will cause said establishments to face temporary closure and a monetary fine.
No Dining Out In Groups Of More Than 5 People
Under Phase 2 regulations, no more than five people per group are allowed to dine together be it at bars, restaurants, cafes and even hawker centres. Culprits who are caught splitting tables and conversing across different tables will also be liable to a fine.
Patrons Are Expected To Have Their Masks On When Not Eating Or Drinking
We know it sounds ridiculous, but until your food or drink has been served to you, you are not allowed to remove your masks.
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