“More than 2 kids not allowed under COVID-19 rules,” says HOT POT restaurant “manager” to family that was denied dine in

Singapore — A family was denied the opportunity to dine in at a hot pot restaurant after the manager informed them of a “new ruling” that more than two children cannot sit together at a table.

“Got such rule, meh?” asked Instagram account Wake Up Singapore on Friday (Dec 3), sharing a video of the family’s experience during their visit to hot pot restaurant Seoul Garden.

“We were already seated inside. They already assigned us a table, then this guy, I think their manager came to us and said that we can’t dine in because there is a new ruling more than two children cannot sit together at one table.”

“Hello. We are of the same household!” wrote Instagram user inloveby.tns in a story posted on Friday.

According to the Ministry of Health (MOH) and current vaccination-differentiated safe management measures (VDS), as of Nov 22, all vaccinated individuals are allowed to dine in at food and beverage establishments up to five persons per group regardless of household.

Meanwhile, unvaccinated individuals are required to take a pre-event test (PET) at a MOH-approved test provider before dining in.

Under VDS, children aged 12 years and below, recovered individuals, and unvaccinated individuals with a valid negative pre-event test (PET) result can be included in the group of 5, said MOH.

“If there is more than one child aged 12 years and below in the group of five persons, all children must be from the same household. An individual aged more than 12 years may sit together with a child from a different household,” MOH added.

In response to the post, members from the online community wondered why the family was given such treatment after they had patronised the restaurant with children and did not encounter such issues.

“Wa, too bad. I had Seoul Garden at Jurong Point on Nov 30, with my two kids, had an awesome dinner,” said Instagram user hafidzha.

The Independent Singapore has reached out to Seoul Garden for a statement. /TISG

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