Singapore's liquor control law to come into force on April 1

THE Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act will come into force on Wednesday, April 1.

The Act, which regulates the supply and consumption of liquor in public places, was passed in Parliament on Jan 29. It will "minimise public disorder and disamenities" arising from drinking in public, said the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Tuesday.

Under the Act, the consumption of liquor will not be allowed in all public places from 10.30pm to 7am every day.

Additional restrictions will be imposed within the specified liquor control zones (LCZs) in Little India and Geylang, for weekends and public holidays.

Offences committed within the LCZs will result in a penalty of one and a half times that in non-designated areas.

In addition to restrictions on liquor consumption in public places, the Act also puts in place limits on the supply of liquor. The retail sale of take-away liquor will not be allowed from 10.30pm to 7am every day. "The Police may grant an extension of retail sale hours on a case-by-case basis," said MHA.

Members of the public can continue to consume liquor at home, and within licensed premises such as restaurants and bars, in accordance with the hours stated in the licences.