Reviewing Policies for Bars and Entertainment Licences to Support Nightlife Sector Recovery

17 Mr Yip Hon Weng asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether the authorities have tightened the requirements for obtaining entertainment licences for bars in recent years; (b) if so, what are the specific reasons for doing so; (c) whether URA will review the current policies regarding bars and entertainment licences to support the recovery of Singapore's nightlife sector; and (d) whether URA will consider easing the requirements for classifying establishments as bars or granting entertainment licences to allow food and beverage establishments more flexibility and longer opening hours.

Mr Desmond Lee: Operators of nightlife establishments, that is, bars and nightclubs, have to apply to the Urban Redevelopment Authority for planning permission; and to the Singapore Police Force for liquor and public entertainment licences before commencing business operations.

There has been no change in the assessment criteria for planning permission or the relevant licences for nightlife establishments in recent years. These regulatory requirements take into account urban planning considerations, law and order concerns and disamenities to the surrounding residents in the area. The Government regularly reviews these regulatory requirements to ensure that they remain relevant.