Hostel ordered to suspend operations, five other F&B establishments and 16 individuals fined for breaching Safe Management Measures

Singapore, 18 October 2020 – The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has ordered Hawaii Hostel at 171A Bencoolen Street to suspend operations for 30 days from 11 October to 9 November 2020 (both dates inclusive) for failing to comply with Safe Management Measures. The hostel is not permitted to accept new bookings or accept check-ins for the duration of its suspension.

Investigations by STB’s enforcement officers revealed that Hawaii Hostel permitted more than 260 guests to check-in for leisure purposes since 17 September 2020. STB officers also found that Hawaii Hostel previously made false statements to Safe Distancing Ambassadors, stating that their customers are long-term guests instead of guests on leisure bookings. The hostel had also failed to record guests’ purpose of stay, as required by the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act 2020.

STB takes a serious view of any breach in Safe Management Measures. As hostels are close-living quarters where non-related individuals are likely to come into close contact with one another in enclosed spaces and for prolonged periods of time, there is a high risk for virus transmission associated with the physical setting. Hostel operators are reminded that leisure bookings are currently not permitted¹. They should also comply with all Safe Management Measures to safeguard the health and well-being of our people, and prevent new clusters from forming.

Non-permitted establishments found conducting business

Regular enforcement checks conducted by the Singapore Tourism Board also uncovered two establishments that were conducting business despite not being permitted to do so.

Investigations by STB’s enforcement officers on 9 October 2020 found that 72 Mad Monk, a bar located at Concorde Shopping Centre (317 Outram Road), was open despite not having a valid food shop license. The establishment also allowed customers to play pool, and consume alcohol past 10.30pm. Under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020, food and beverage establishments are not permitted to provide games unless they also hold an amusement centre license.

STB enforcement officers also conducted checks at Kris Bollywood, located at #02-32 Concorde Hotel, on 10 October 2020. The establishment is not permitted to operate as it is classed as a Public Entertainment Venue and does not hold a valid food shop license. STB’s enforcement officers also found two individuals consuming alcohol on the premises past 10.30pm.

Both businesses are under further investigations. Under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act 2020, such first-time offenders face a fine of up to S$10,000. Subsequent offences may result in a fine of up to S$20,000.

Businesses fined for breaching Safe Management Measures

Five Food & Beverage businesses were also fined for breaching Safe Management Measures. These businesses are:

• Bagus Sio Good at #01-07A Far East Plaza was fined $1,000 on 8 October 2020 for failing to ensure 1m safe distancing between seated customers.

• Chuan Yang Ji Mutton Soup Steamboat at 211 South Bridge Road was fined $1,000 on 9 October 2020 for failing to ensure 1m safe distancing between seated customers.

• The Hot Gathering Pte Ltd at 32 Upper Cross Street was fined $1,000 on 9 October 2020 for failing to ensure 1m safe distancing between seated customers.

• Beauty in a Pot at #05-16 The Centrepoint was fined $1,000 on 10 October 2020 for accepting a booking of more than 5 persons. Checks by STB’s enforcement officers revealed that the restaurant had accepted a group of 6 people, who were all seated at the same table.

• Komala’s Restaurant at 330 Serangoon Road was fined $1,000 on 13 October 2020 for failing to ensure 1m safe distancing between seated customers.

Fines issued to individuals

Between 6 to 14 October 2020, STB issued fines ranging from $300 to $1,000 to 16 individuals for failing to wear a mask.

STB has stepped up checks on tourism establishments and precincts since the start of Phase 2 and will continue to deploy additional enforcement officers and Safe Distancing Ambassadors where required. Enforcement action will be taken for non-compliance, which may include fines, closure of business, and prosecution.

Photos of offences can be found in Annex A.

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¹Hostels are permitted to accept new bookings for the following reasons of stay which are legitimate and not leisure purposes, provided all Safe Management Measures are being compiled with: guests whose home environment is not available or accessible (i.e. home is in disrepair due to maintenance, etc) and guests whose home environments are not suitable due to work or domestic conditions (i.e. domestic disputes at home, healthcare workers who wish to isolate themselves from other family members, persons who wish to stay closer to their work place to reduce commute time, etc)

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.