Indicators Leading to Formalising of Extension of Liquor Trading Hours at Boat Quay and Clarke Quay
Speakers
Summary
This question concerns the indicators leading to the formalisation of extended liquor trading hours and flexible uses at Boat Quay and Clarke Quay. Mr Low Wu Yang Andre inquired about changes in pedestrian footfall, outlet participation, law-and-order incidents, and future monitoring indicators. Minister Dr Tan See Leng replied that around 60 outlets were granted extended hours, with businesses noting higher footfall and tourist visits rising 14% year-on-year to 2.4 million within seven months. He added that the law-and-order situation remained stable, with only one noise complaint received and amicably resolved during the one-year pilot. Following formalisation, government agencies will continue collaborating with stakeholders on security measures, responsible nightlife management, and public feedback to balance vibrancy with public safety.
Transcript
100 Mr Low Wu Yang Andre asked the Minister for Energy, Trade and Industry (Energy and Industry) in formalising the one-year pilot to extend liquor trading hours and allow more flexible uses at Boat Quay and Clarke Quay (a) what changes from before the pilot were recorded in (i) pedestrian footfall (ii) outlets actually using the extended hours and (iii) police incidents and noise or public-nuisance complaints; and (b) what indicators will be monitored following the formalisation.
Dr Tan See Leng: The one-year pilot of the revitalisation measures at Boat Quay and Clarke Quay was introduced on 18 August 2025. Around 60 outlets were granted extended liquor trading hours. In the seven months following the launch of the pilot, 2.4 million tourists visited the Singapore River precinct. This is a 14% year-on-year increase. Businesses have also observed increased footfall since the launch of the pilot.
The law-and-order situation in the precincts has also remained stable. During the one-year pilot, one noise complaint was received and subsequently amicably resolved.
Following the formalisation of the revitalisation measures, agencies, including the Ministry of Home Affairs. Ministry of National Development and the Ministry of Energy, Trade and Industry, will continue to work with local stakeholders on security measures to ensure law and order, as well as responsible management of the nightlife spaces and public areas at these locations. We will also continue to gather feedback from the public, industry and local stakeholders on how to inject vibrancy into the area, while ensuring public safety and security.