Hostel fined for breach of COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act

Singapore, 17 April 2020 – A composition fine of $2,000 has been imposed on Gap Year Hostel at 322 Lavender Street for an offence committed under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act. The offence came to light after enforcement checks on 15 April revealed that the hostel failed to keep record of individuals who leave the hostel premises each day.

Under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act passed in Parliament on 7 April 2020, hostels are required to keep records of every individual who leaves the hostel premises each day, amongst other requirements. First-time offenders face a fine of up to S$10,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both. Subsequent offences may result in a fine of up to S$20,000, imprisonment of up to twelve months, or both.

STB has been conducting regular checks on hostels and hotels since March. We will continue to step up our enforcement efforts, to ensure hotel and hostel operators take steps to ensure compliance with the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act. Enforcement action will be taken against those who fail to comply with the enhanced safe distancing measures, which may include prosecuting offenders under the Act and its regulations.

F&B outlet fined for breaching safe distancing measures

A composition fine of $1,000 was issued to Crave (Lot One Shoppers’ Mall) on 14 April 2020, for failing to observe the elevated safe distancing measures. It had allowed customers and delivery personnel to crowd together, without 1-metre spacing between each other. Businesses that persistently fail to comply with the measures face higher fines and may be charged in court.

Following enforcement checks by STB and ESG from 13 to 16 April, 13 businesses that provide non-essential services were also instructed to cease operations. These include tuition agencies, health food retailers, wellness and beauty product shops and an automotive parts retailer.

11 shop staff fined for failing to wear masks

Following enforcement checks by STB on 16 April, composition fines of $300 each were issued to 11 individuals for failing to wear masks. These 11 individuals comprised employees of food & beverages businesses, hair salons and grocery stores.

It is mandatory for everyone to wear a mask while out in public from 14 April, with strict exceptions. Exceptions include children under the age of two and individuals engaging in strenuous physical exercise. Individuals who do not comply will be fined $300 for the first offence, and may face higher fines or prosecution for subsequent offences.

Annex: Photos

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Audrey Kang
Manager
Communications
Singapore Tourism Board
M: +65 9366 1778
E: audrey_kang@stb.gov.sg ↗ (opens in new tab)

Jessie Ng
Senior Business Partner
Corporate Communications
Enterprise Singapore
M: +65 8318 2578
E: Jessie_Ng@enterprisesg.gov.sg ↗ (opens in new tab)

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.

About Enterprise Singapore

Enterprise Singapore 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.

Annex: Photos

Gap Year Hostel was issued a composition fine of $2,000, for failing to keep record of individuals leaving the hostel premises each day as required under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act.

A composition fine of $1,000 was issued to Crave (Lot One Shoppers’ Mall) on 14 April 2020, for failing to comply with safe distancing measures. It had allowed customers and delivery personnel to cluster together, without 1-metre spacing between each other.