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More than 20 pivoted nightspots allowed to reopen for F&B as of end August SINGAPORE: A month after authorities introduced tighter measures as a condition for nightspots operating as food outlets to reopen, more than 20 such establishments have been given the go-ahead to resume operations. In response to queries from CNA, the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment (MSE) on Tuesday (Sep 7) said that as of Aug 30, it had approved the reopening of these outlets that have pivoted to food and beverage operations. "These establishments have implemented the additional Safe Management Measures (SMMs), passed inspections, and received a conditional permit from MTI to resume operations," said MSE. "Establishments that do not pass inspections are not allowed to reopen until they pass a later inspection, which they may apply for when they are ready." In July, the emergence of a COVID-19 cluster linked to former KTV lounges and nightclubs led to a two-week shutdown of more than 400 pivoted nightspots. All employees of such establishments were told to undergo a one-time polymerase chain reaction test and the nightspots had to receive approval from the authorities before being allowed to reopen. Another condition that these pivoted nightspots had to meet before being allowed to reopen: Only the main hall was to be used for F&B operations. All private rooms were to be locked and not to be used for "any purpose". Blackout windows or opaque doors were also not allowed to be used along the perimeter of the outlet, with the interior to be made "clearly visible" to people outside. Upon the resumption of operations, all employees would also have to undergo fast and easy testing at a Health Promotion Board Quick Test Centre every seven days. SafeEntry Gateway would also have to be implemented at the entrance and exit of the premises, while prevailing licensing conditions were to be complied with. As of Monday, data from the Health Ministry showed that there were 253 cases in the KTV COVID-19 cluster. Source: CNA – https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/covid-19-nightlife-establishments-inspections-operations-reopen-2161541 -------- What do ya'll think of this new measure for the night scene? Is it too early considering that the last cluster from this group is only 2 months ago AND the extent of the spread? I'm personally quite worried cause I feel that its not possible to effectively regulate and monitor these establishments. hmmm

With clubs, bars and ktv not goin to open anytime soon how are these places coping? Not everyone coy can change their business model More support schemes coming for this doomed industry? Close down now better and cut the losses better Look at australia, south Korea etc... Allow nightlife only covid cases rise, clusters form The other night I went to have a few beer with a friend After that walk to giant forgot to put on mask That's after goin thru safe entry, talking to the temperature scan staff She didn't remind me abt the mask also A little alcohol n forget abt it Drink drank drunk youngsters will forget abt safe distancing I agree with not opening up the clubs but have to say this industry is indeed bleeding and more businesses will close.. https://mothership.sg/2020/10/bars-clubs-karaoke-phase-3-no-reopening/ Bars, clubs, nightclubs and karaoke lounges are not expected to re-open at the start of Phase 3 as they pose a higher risk of the spread of Covid-19, Minister Lawrence Wong said at a press conference by the Covid-19 Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MTF) on Oct. 20. Wong added that this is due to the nature of such activities entailing people socialising in close contact, often in a small enclosed space. ars, clubs, nightclubs and karaoke lounges are not expected to re-open at the start of Phase 3 as they pose a higher risk of the spread of Covid-19, Minister Lawrence Wong said at a press conference by the Covid-19 Multi-Ministry Taskforce (MTF) on Oct. 20. Wong added that this is due to the nature of such activities entailing people socialising in close contact, often in a small enclosed space. "We've seen it in many other countries where large clusters break out in these sorts of settings. So, even at the start of Phase 3, when we enter Phase 3, we do not expect to reopen or resume these activities anytime soon." 'Prepared to consider' pilot trials Wong revealed that the government is open to pilot trials in some of these settings, with much more stringent safe management measures in place, to determine whether it is safe to proceed. When asked about the measures, Wong stated that these include testing customers before they enter such premises using a rapid test kit, and ensuring that current safety measures, such as banning people from intermingling and making sure they are physically apart, are implemented within. In addition, the "music cannot be loud". Here, Wong noted that the prevailing music level for F&B outlets that will be similarly applied to the nightclub industry. As for ensuring that such measures are complied with, Wong stated that the usage of CCTVs is currently under consideration. In adding that the matter will be discussed with the nightlife industry, he stated: "It's also for the industry itself to consider whether it's viable to proceed. Because of all these measures in place...a dance club may not sound like a dance club anymore if there is safe management and safe distancing measures for you to be separated from another person. So we'll have to have this conversation with the industry to consider what's the best way to proceed. And...we do not expect, even with the pilots for the industry to be able to resume activities like the way it used to be." Government will put in place assistance measures for the nightlife industry In acknowledging that the nightlife industry has to be prepared for "quite a long period of restrictions", Wong further stated that the government will put in place assistance measures during this period to help. Wong elaborated that the measures will enable business operators and owners to "exit, transit and pivot to new areas." Details of the assistance package will be announced separately.