Nightlife body proposes 'three-ring approach' to take industry out of rough water

THE Singapore Nightlife Business Association (SNBA) has proposed various measures under a "three ring approach" in a bid to take the industry out of its current challenges.

In an open letter on Friday to the Multi-Ministry Taskforce directing Singapore's battle against the pandemic, the association said: "A three-ring approach, with coordination and support from various ministries, is proposed by SNBA for the industry to get back quickly".

The association noted that in the past few weeks, the broad spectrum of nightlife has "unfairly suffered for the wrongdoings of a handful of errant operators who run unlawful KTVs with unlicensed social hostesses".

While these have flouted the law, SNBA noted there were another 400 nightlife establishments that have pivoted to the F&B sector and have been consistently compliant with the law. "These establishments were forced to suspend operations because of the unlawful operators," it added.

Under the first ring, SNBA said it would look to eliminate the KTV cluster swiftly. It has proposed measures such as reviews of hotspots and imposing heavier penalties on those who flout rules.

Among the penalties proposed by SNBA are a longer suspension period, and being barred from reopening. It also said it would set up a whistle blowing platform on its website for the public to share cases of establishments who breach safe-management measures. This will then be directed to the authorities for their enforcement.

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For the second ring, SNBA is looking at helping the around 400 nightlife establishments that have pivoted to F&B, and complied with the rules. The association has called for financial support for such players, and said it will reach out to relevant agencies to consider extending the temporary bridging loans to the industry as repayments are coming up.

Meanwhile, it has also proposed that pivoted nightlife establishments come under the supervision of the police once again, rather than the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment.

SNBA said: "The police have the surveillance capacity through officers' dedicated compliance, powers of arrest and warrants to raid premises, to ensure compliance of these pivoted nightlife establishments."

It is also proposing to "Rebuild, Revitalise and Restart Singapore Nightlife" under its third ring. It said it will continue to push for pilots to be run for clubs, pubs and bars - for instance, pilots that trial live entertainment, TV screening and longer hours.

In the long run, after restrictions are fully lifted, SNBA said there is a need to develop a framework for nightlife operators with clearer definition on hostess licences and other licences to prevent underground behaviour.

"Surveillance of nightlife establishments should also be reinforced or stepped up with mandatory CCTV placements," it said.

SNBA said: "There will be challenges ahead. But by being vigilant, keeping safe and responsible practices, and staying together, our industry will emerge stronger through the united effort and collective commitment of all players in the ecosystem."