Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on the Restriction of Alcohol Consumption in Public Places, by Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law

Question:

Ms Foo Mee Har : To ask the Minister for Home Affairs since the introduction of regulatory measures to restrict alcohol consumption in public places (a) what has been the number and trend of breaches since then; (b) what has been the number of public complaints relating to alcohol consumption in public places; and (c) whether there is a need to further restrict alcohol sale and consumption in HDB neighbourhood estates.

Answer:

1. The Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act, introduced in 2015, prohibits alcohol consumption in all public places between 10.30pm and 7.00am. Stricter hours are imposed in designated liquor control zones i.e. Little India and Geylang.

2. As of 31 Mar 2019, around 4,500 breaches have been detected since the coming into force of the Act in 2015. The trend has been improving, from around 1,200 per year in 2015 and 2016, to under 800 in 2018.

3. Police do not track the number of complaints relating to alcohol consumption in public places. However, the decrease in the number of breaches over the years suggests the number of such complaints has similarly reduced.

4. Our assessment is that liquor-related law and order issues are under control. There is no need to further restrict alcohol sale and consumption at this juncture, including at HDB neighbourhood estates. MHA and Police will regularly review these policies, taking into consideration public feedback as well.