KTV lounges facing swansong amid location curbs, corporate belt-tightening?

THE last few years have been rough for Singapore’s karaoke lounges. Legitimate joints had to close for months on end during the throes of the Covid-19 pandemic; shadier spots were busted for operating without valid licences, casting a cloud over the industry as a whole.

KTV lounges, characterised by booze and staff who join the sing-alongs, differ from family-friendly karaoke outlets that may not even offer alcohol.

For decades, these nightspots have been a mainstay for businessmen who are keen to maintain client relationships or ink lucrative deals. The Business Times understands that they remain a popular option for bosses who want to combine deal-making with a side of carousing.