Various Members of Parliament (MPs) have spoken up both for and against the possible partial alcohol ban in Singapore.
A Bill tabled yesterday proposes that public alcohol consumption, as well as the sale of alcohol in retail stores, is prohibited from 10:30pm to 7am everyday, among other things. The law is expected to help curb the menaces of public drunkenness.
The Straits Times reports that MPs such as Ms. Denise Phua (Moulmein-Kallang GRC) and Ms. Tin Pei Ling (Marine Parade GRC) agree and support the move.
Ms. Phua is satisfied the proposed Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Bill applies at least partially and not totally, which is the case in some cities. In certain American states, having an open container of alcohol is illegal in public places such as sidewalks and parks. Ms. Tin, who’s also a member of the Government Parliamentary Committee for Home Affairs and Law, said that she thinks the move is necesary, even if “an islandwide ban may be somewhat blunt”.
There are others however, who feel the ban, inspired by maverick events from the last two years including the Little India Riot, is an unfair penalty on the majority of drinkers.
Tampines GRC MP Mr. Baey Yam Keng says some leniency towards those who are “just having clean fun” might be warranted, and suggests that approval for extending hours of drinking at social activities such as barbecue parties, be “simpler and easier to obtain”, TODAY reports.
Zaqy Mohamad (Choa Chu Kang GRC) says the ban is a good idea in residental areas to prevent social disamenities such as noise and littering, but suggests that enforcement be more lax in areas close to clubs.
Photo: Rad Basa
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