It’s been one week since we’re allowed to dine out in pairs, yet we have a handful of rule-breakers already.
Over 117 people were fined for breaching safe management measures since the start of Phase 3 (Heighten Alert) on 14 June.
However, this does not compare to the number of food and beverage (F&B) eateries that were fined for breaching the same rules since the restrictions started.
Over 340 F&B Eateries Have Been Fined for Breaching COVID-19 Rules
More than 340 F&B outlets were fined for breaching COVID-19 safe management measures from June 2020 to March 2021.
These F&B outlets included nightlife establishments. Over 100 F&B outlets were also suspended during this period.
Officers from Singapore Food Agency (SFA) did a spot check at five outlets in Jalan Leban and Thong Soon Avenue on 26 June.
They looked out for a safe distance of at least 1m between patrons in queues, and between groups of diners during their checks. They also ensured that the groups do not exceed the permitted size of five.
SFA officers also made sure the diners and staff had their masks on at all times except when consuming food or drinks.
“We also ensure that there is no sale or consumption of alcohol after 10.30pm, or the provision of public entertainment,” SFA said.
A business was also investigated for separating two different groups of people at the same table with only an acrylic divider.
Another business was also reminded to ensure patrons sat 1m apart.
An SFA enforcement officer that had been conducting these checks since January said, “Usually the first thing we look out for is whether they are wearing masks properly. We also look out for the number of patrons seated together and if safe distancing is observed.”
They even checked if safe management measures were adhered to by the staff in the kitchen area for there were occasions where food handlers might not wear the masks properly over their noses.
Fines Not Handed Out the Spot
Contrary to popular beliefs, fines are not handed out on the spot.
Instead, the SFA officers will investigate the situation and gather evidence such as taking down details of the individuals or F&B operators. The officers may also take a statement from them.
It takes about three months for the investigations to be wrapped up but the timeframe varies, depending on the complexity of the case.
The safe distancing operation exercises are usually conducted during peak periods, or at timings known to have safe management non-compliance.
Adhering to the safety regulations, teams of around three to five officers are deployed to different areas to ‘spy’ on individuals and F&B establishments.
Common Breaches
Some of the common reasons that caused the F&B outlets to be fined included:
- Allowing groups larger than the permitted number to be seated together,
- Allowing the intermingling of customers between tables;
- Seating customers less than 1m apart.
Featured Image: kandl stock / Shutterstock.com
