Singapore plans to restrict public consumption of alcohol and reduce hours for its retail sales from early next year, apparently following up on the country's worst riots in four decades in Little India precinct last year after the death of an Indian national.
Restricting public consumption of alcohol and reduction in the hours for retail sales of liquor are among measures being considered after a series of public consultations that started last October and ended this August, Second Minister for Home Affairs S Iswaran told Parliament.
The findings of these consultations would be released within this week.
After a long review of alcohol restriction measures, a new law on liquor control is on the horizon.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is working towards introducing this in Parliament early next year, The Straits Times reported.
The ministry has, since 2012, embarked on a review of liquor control measures, hoping to curb law and order problems posed by people congregating and downing significant quantities of alcohol in public places, particularly at night.
These concerns were raised by residents and businesses, especially those in areas where residential and commercial premises are located near each other, said Iswaran.
The ministry would look at feedback from the public and industry players, and take into account the experience from alcohol restrictions imposed in Little India following the December 8 riot sparked by the death of an Indian national.
The measures seem to be follow up to riot in the Little India precinct. The riot was sparked by a fatal accident involving a bus and an Indian national who was working in Singapore.
Some 400 migrant workers were at the scene of the riot. Fifty-two Indians were deported from Singapore for their alleged involvement in the violence.
It was Singapore's worst street violence in four decades and some of the rioters were reportedly under the influence of alcohol.
In places like South Australia and Texas, the public consumption of alcohol is not allowed at times when problems associated with drinking are more significant, the minister pointed out.
"In deciding on the measures to adopt in Singapore, we will balance the diverse interests of various stakeholders including residents and businesses," said the minister.
"We will also need to ensure that the regime is practical and enforceable, easily understood with clear rules, and minimal displacement effect," Iswaran said.
