In case you missed it, it’s 1 Sep 2021 and you can now be fined for not returning your trays after your meal.
By the way, we’re not talking S$300, such as the one you get for forgetting to wear your mask; we’re talking S$2,000.
That’s three zeroes right there.
Wait, you ask, isn’t it 1 Nov 2021? Why do I feel like my wife’s quizzing me about our anniversary date, birthdays and when we first met?!
If you’re feeling frazzled and confused, don’t worry, because NEA has just the thing you need.
NEA Provides FAQs on About Enforcements on Compulsory Tray Return System
In case you haven’t got the memo yet, saying I don’t know no longer gets you out of trouble, as we’ve seen from the start of COVID-19.
Ignorance isn’t bliss, as some might say.
So, what’s the second-best way to avoid trouble then? To learn about what can get you into trouble, of course.
And NEA’s FAQ about the compulsory tray return system is exactly what you need to avoid paying the big two-oh-oh-oh.
First thing first, what is an offence?
According to NEA, if diners leave behind dirty trays, dishes and litter on the table when they leave, it is an offence.
These include:
- Used tissues and wet wipes
- Straws
- Wrappers
- Canned drinks
- Plastic bottles
- Food remnants such as bones and shells
By the way, if any of these falls onto the ground, it’s also an offence if you don’t pick them up.
Don’t worry though, because any drinks or gravy spilt on the table won’t count against you, although we’ll say that any decent human being would use a tissue to wipe it up before leaving anyway.
Other Essential Questions & Answers
We won’t wholesale copy and paste the FAQs because you can just read them here but here are the few essential ones:
What if the dirty trays and dishes were left behind by the previous diner?
Well, you won’t be expected to clean up their mess and cleaners employed at the hawker centre will do it for you.
Are there enough tray return stations and racks for you to return your trays?
According to NEA, there are enough. Currently, there are more than 900 racks at Singapore’s hawker centres, and more than 75 racks are being added progressively. NEA and the Hawker Associations/Operators will be monitoring the situation closely.
Any exceptions?
There are groups of people who are exempted from the clean table scheme. They include the frail, the less-abled, the elderly and children below 12 years old.
A good rule of thumb is this: if they’re unable to order and carry the food to their own table, it won’t be reasonable to expect them to carry the tray to return, right?
Of course, they’ll usually be accompanied by family members or dining companions who’ll get the food for them, so they can clean up for them as well.
Are we depriving the cleaners of their jobs?
Well, if you’re asking this question, you’re either a really good samaritan or just grasping at straws.
No matter which you are, don’t worry; you’re not depriving cleaners of their jobs since, according to NEA, the demand for cleaners’ time has increased since COVID-19 started.
You’ll be making their jobs easier, since the lesser time they spend on clearing dirty trays and plates, the more time they’ll have to clean and sanitise the table.
On a separate note, NEA also assures that you won’t be impacting their earning capability.
What if they insist?
If you’ve been to some places, cleaners (sometimes) take offence when you try to do their job for them. In such cases, they can clear the table for you.
Just…don’t take it as permission not to clear your table, yeah?
Why only hawker centres?
For those who are confused over 1 June, 1 Sep and 1 Nov, this is the answer for you.
The clean table scheme introduced on 1 June 2021 is meant for hawker centres, and enforcement for hawker centres start on 1 Sep 2021.
On 1 Nov 2021, the clean table scheme will be extended to food courts and coffee shops.
Enforcement for that segment of F&B places will start on 1 Jan 2022.
To read NEA’s Clean Table FAQs, you can click here.
You’re welcome~
Read Also:
- From 1 Nov, Diners Need to Return Trays in Coffeeshops & Food Courts As Well
- PM Lee Awarded $370K in Damages from Defamation Suits Against TOC
Feature Image: Air Elegant / Shutterstock.com / NEA
