English Language Guideline Considerations towards F&B Outlets that Primarily Use Chinese Language in Stores

8 Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Trade and Industry in view of more F&B outlets primarily using Chinese language (a) whether there are guidelines on language requirement for shop displays, menus, and hiring English-speaking staff; (b) whether outlets will be required to have English menus and English-speaking staff; and (c) whether the Ministry will address this issue considering the large non-Chinese population among citizens, foreign workers and tourists.

Mr Gan Kim Yong: There are no guidelines or regulations requiring the use of the English language for food and beverage shop displays, menus or the hiring of English-speaking staff. Businesses are free to decide on these matters. However, many businesses recognise that the English language is a common medium of communication in Singapore, and choose to utilise it in its displays, menus and operations in order to serve a wider and diverse customer base.