300 caught for consuming alcohol at prohibited times in Little India
Published on Dec 4, 2014 6:17 PM
A sign indicating the no drinking zone along kerbau road stands outside a restaurant on Nov 30, 2014. -- PHOTO: ST FILE
By Lim Yi Han
SINGAPORE - Some 300 people have been caught for consuming alcohol in Little India when it is prohibited, since the Public Order (Additional Temporary Measures) Act came into effect on April 1.
The Straits Times understands that most of the 300 arrested are foreign workers. First-time offenders face up to one month in jail and a $1,000 fine. Subsequent convictions carry a maximum $2,000 fine and three months behind bars. It is not known how many have been punished.
Following the Dec 8 riot there last year, people were banned from drinking alcohol from 6am on Saturdays to 6am the following Monday. On public holidays and the eve of public holidays, it starts at 6am on the eve, and ends at 6am the day after the public holiday.
Four outlets were also found to have committed liquor licensing breaches.
After the riot, all liquor store or convenience shop owners have been banned from selling liquor after 8pm during weekends, the eve of public holidays and public holidays. For the offence, they may be fined up to $5,000.
Nearly a year after riot, an additional 43 surveillance cameras as well as over 100 new street lamps have been added in the area to enhance security.
The CCTVs were put up in known congregation areas.
The street lamps were put in 42 sites including alleys, back lanes and congregation areas.
Said the commanding officer of Rochor Neighbourhood Police Centre, deputy superintendent Ho See Ying: "Police will continue to monitor the situation and calibrate our measures accordingly."
