Coffee Shop Operators Unable to Find Replacement Halal Food Stallholders Resulting in Non-renewal of Tenancy Agreement

31 Mr Leong Mun Wai asked the Minister for National Development over the last five years (a) how many coffee shop operators received warnings or instructions to find replacement halal food stallholders within the same tenancy period; and (b) how many coffee shop operators did not have their tenancy agreement with HDB renewed as a result of not providing at least one halal food stall.

Mr Desmond Lee: Since 2005, the Housing and Development Board (HDB) rental coffee shop operators are required to provide at least one halal stall under their tenancy agreement with HDB. Should any halal stallholder cease operations, HDB requires the coffee shop operator to find a replacement within the current tenancy period. If the operator fails to do so, HDB may decide not to renew the tenancy or, as a last resort, terminate the tenancy.

In the past five years, 12 coffee shop operators received reminders to find a replacement halal food stall within their respective tenancy periods.

Operators who face difficulties may appeal to HDB for more time to find a replacement halal stallholder. HDB will assess these appeals on a case-by-case basis. Coffee shop operators are generally able to comply with the requirement for halal stall provision, although some could take more time to find a replacement halal stallholder due to relatively lower demand in the area. So far, HDB has not rejected any tenancy renewal due to non-provision of halal stalls.