The Straits Times
www.straitstimes.com
Published on Dec 29, 2011
Bid to keep Kampong Glam alcohol free
Some shop owners hope to garner support for a ban on restaurants and convenience stores selling alcohol there
By Jennani Durai
After lying mostly dormant for the past 10 years, a drive to keep the historic area of Kampong Glam
alcohol free is
gaining momentum.
A group of shop owners, who have confined themselves to occasional petitions over the past decade, are now putting up posters and stickers in their shops. The aim is to gauge public support for a blanket ban on restaurants and convenience stores selling alcohol.
A check by The Straits Times on Tuesday found at least eight posters and banners along Haji Lane, Arab Street and Bussorah Street.
The group has also moved online. A Facebook page set up early last month now has nearly
400 members, with many voicing support for the rejuvenated movement on the site.
It is being spearheaded by
Dr Ameen Talib, 48, owner of Cafe Le Caire on Arab Street. 'The last couple of years, alcohol has been spreading too much in Kampong Glam,' he said. 'We strongly believe that this reduces the
character and
heritage of the area.'
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