Singapore’s nightlife scene is working towards reopening. Here’s everything you need to know.
This year, the local nightlife scene has been quiet for too long. As one of the hardest hit industries in Singapore, it’s been unable to reopen during these Covid times due to the high-risk nature of the activities. Even with Phase 3 around the corner, nightclubs and some cocktail bars still remain shuttered and many have closed for good in the past few months. But we’re here to bring you good news! A small number of nightlife establishments in Singapore will be reopening under a pilot programme as early as December 2020. That means late night partying, drinking and karaoke sessions can soon be in the cards for you. Read on for all the deets…
The reopening of Singapore’s nightlife scene
Which businesses can reopen?
It’ll be a limited number of about 25 nightlife establishments in Singapore. That includes bars, pubs, nightclubs, discotheques and karaoke lounges. Pilots for the first two businesses will start by December and last for two months, while the rest will kick off in January 2021 and continue on for three months. The available slots will likely be divided into 10 pubs and bars, 10 karaoke places and five clubs. Applications are now open for businesses to submit their requests and the Singapore Nightlife Business Association has already received multiple queries from interested parties.
What will nightlife look like?
Nightclubs will only take up to 100 people across two zones of 50 people each. There can be areas for dining and dancing, but they must be separated. You won’t see any live entertainment or performances, though. As for karaoke joints, groups of up to five people will be in enclosed rooms, which are to be disinfected after each use.
What safety measures will be put in place?
You must have your mask on at all times except when you’re eating or drinking. That means throwing shapes on the dancefloor or singing your heart out both require mask-wearing too. No intermingling between groups at the club either. Plus, alcohol cannot be sold, served or consumed after 10.30pm, so it looks like 10.30pm will soon become the new midnight. Party early and head home early – whaddya think?
Take note: Nightclubs and karaoke spots will only be open to residents and individuals with work passes. Everyone entering these karaoke lounges and nightclubs must obtain a negative Covid-19 test result within the past 24 hours.
Who’s watching to make sure the rules are followed?
Well, the authorities are. CCTVs will be activated at all times in common areas and rooms at these nightlife spots that are reopening in Singapore. Recordings must be kept for at least 28 days for the authorities to review and check whether safe management measures have been followed. As you’ve seen in the news by now, anyone who doesn’t comply with these guidelines will face penalties – and they may be dropped from the pilot scheme. Of course, if a Covid-19 cluster happens to pop up at any of these places (let’s hope not), the government can pause or stop the programme.
What happens to the rest of Singapore’s nightlife?
Establishments that aren’t taking part in the pilot can make the jump to other activities like F&B operations, offices or gyms. But even if the pilot reopening scheme is launched to great success, the nightlife industry in Singapore likely won’t go ‘back to normal’ for a while, according to the authorities.
Check back for more updates when the final list of businesses in Singapore participating in the nightlife reopening scheme is released!
