Enterprise Singapore and Singapore Tourism Board order 85 businesses to cease operations

Singapore, 9 April 2020

1. 85 businesses were instructed to cease operations following enforcement checks by Enterprise Singapore (ESG) and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) on 8 and 9 April 2020. This comprised businesses that i) had remained open despite providing non-essential services¹; and ii) are providing essential services, but failed to enforce the safe distancing measures properly.

First establishment fined for flouting safe distancing measures

2. A composition fine of $1,000 was issued to Playmade by 丸作 at Waterway Point, for failing to enforce the safe distancing measures properly, despite repeated warnings. The outlet had failed to implement crowd management system and allowed customers to crowd together without 1m spacing between one another. If the outlet continues to flout the rules, it will face higher fines and can be charged in court.

3. Since 7 April, ESG and STB have conducted daily surveillance on over 15,200 businesses during the “circuit-breaker” period. ESG has checked on about 12,200 F&B and retail establishments across 88 shopping malls, while STB checked on more than 3,000 tourism-related establishments in areas such as Chinatown, Little India and Orchard Road. Majority of these establishments were compliant with the elevated safe distancing measures.

Enforcement checks will continue on weekends and holidays

4. We urge businesses to continue to comply with the elevated safe distancing measures². ESG and STB will continue with our enforcement efforts throughout the “circuit breaker” period, including the upcoming long weekend. Members of the public are reminded to practise safe distancing at all times and be socially responsible.  

5. We take a serious view of any infringement of safe distancing measures and will not hesitate to take actions against non-compliant businesses. Under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act passed in Parliament on 7 April 2020, first-time offenders will face a fine of up to S$10,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both. Subsequent offences may face a fine of up to S$20,000, imprisonment of up to twelve months, or both.

Annex: Photos

¹These include wellness and beauty product shops, general household product retailers, phone accessories retail shops, travel agencies, hardware shops, non-essential healthcare services, etc.

²Businesses must comply with the elevated safe distancing measures, and can refer to the sector-specific guidelines on the Ministry of Health website.

-END-

For media enquiries, please contact:

Jessie Ng
Senior Business Partner
Corporate Communications
Enterprise Singapore
M: +65 8318 2578
E: Jessie_Ng@enterprisesg.gov.sg

Audrey Kang
Manager
Communications
Singapore Tourism Board
M: +65 9366 1778
E: audrey_kang@stb.gov.sg

About Enterprise Singapore

Enterprise Singapore (ESG) is the government agency championing enterprise development. We work with committed companies to build capabilities, innovate and internationalise.

We also support the growth of Singapore as a hub for global trading and startups, and build trust in Singapore’s products and services through quality and standards.

About the Singapore Tourism Board

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) is the lead development agency for tourism, one of Singapore’s key economic sectors. Together with industry partners and the community, we shape a dynamic Singapore tourism landscape. We bring the Passion Made Possible brand to life by differentiating Singapore as a vibrant destination that inspires people to share and deepen their passions.

Playmade by 丸作 at Waterway Point – fined S$1,000 for not observing safe distancing measures even after first warning. No crowd control system; queueing markers indicated but no enforcement; 1m spacing between customers not enforced when crowds form.

Electronics shops at Sim Lim Towers – ordered to close the electronics retail components as these are non-essential services; electronics repair services can continue.

Example of non-essential business in Little India that was instructed to cease operations.