Written Reply to Parliamentary Question on Plans to Issue Separate Licences for Family Karaoke Operators from Other Nightlife-Oriented Operators, by Mr K Shanmugam, Minister for Home Affairs and Minister for Law

Question:

Assoc Prof Jamus Jerome Lim: To ask the Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether there are any plans to issue separate licences for family karaoke operators from other nightlife-oriented operators; and (b) whether existing restrictions on karaokes may be relaxed for family-oriented operators, contingent on appropriate safe management measures.

Answer:

1.   Karaoke singing is a high COVID-risk activity because of the singing, the enclosed setting, and the potential for droplet transmission. We understand and emphathise with the situation of family-oriented karaoke operators.

2.   MHA, together with the other agencies, is looking into the request by karaoke operators that brand themselves as being more family oriented and therefore less likely to engage in illegal activities, and to be regulated separately from other nightlife establishments during this pandemic. The concern is that the risks associated with singing remain, regardless of whether the karaoke operators are family-oriented or otherwise. This needs to be assessed.

3.   It will be helpful if the Member can clarify if he supports the issuing of separate licences to karaoke operators who state that they are family karaoke operators (distinct from other nightlife-oriented operators), and to relax restrictions on karaokes that brand themselves as family-oriented operators.