13 shops in Little India under police probe for suspected liquor control breaches

SINGAPORE: Thirteen shops operating within the Little India liquor control zone are under investigation for alleged breaches of liquor control regulations, the Singapore Police Force (SPF) said in a statement.

According to the police, an enforcement operation was conducted in the area between Oct 5 and Oct 20. During the checks, officers found that one of the shops had allegedly converted part of its retail area into an unlicensed drinking space, allowing customers to consume alcohol on the premises.

Three other shops were suspected of selling alcohol without valid licences, while the remaining nine were believed to have sold alcohol outside the permitted hours.

Under the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act, businesses found guilty of selling alcoholic beverages outside designated hours in a restricted area may face fines of up to S$10,000.

Those convicted of selling alcohol without a valid licence may be fined up to S$20,000. Repeat offenders face harsher penalties, including a fine of up to S$20,000, imprisonment for up to three months, or both.

The police said investigations into all 13 shops are ongoing.