Parliament: Public drinking a problem in Teban Gardens, says Foo Mee Har

SINGAPORE - Restrictions to alcohol consumption should be targeted and calibrated because some parts of Singapore are more affected by this problem than others, Ms Foo Mee Har (West Coast GRC) said on Friday.

"The Bill before us proposes an islandwide ban on consuming alcohol in public places after 10.30 pm - this might be excessive in unaffected areas in Singapore, but might be inadequate for hotspots such as Teban Gardens," said Ms Foo.

Teban Gardens, which is within her division, is a congregation spot for foreign workers.

"At some public areas in Teban Gardens, drinking starts at around 8pm, especially during weekends and public holidays, and the full impact of disamenities such as littering, noise, vomiting and drunkenness can be felt well before 10.30 pm," said Ms Foo.

"How can vulnerable areas like Teban Gardens in my division receive the higher degree of protection from problems associated with drinking in public places, particularly if the problems persist in spite of the new laws?"

Ms Foo proposed that restrictions on alcohol consumption be restricted to problematic hotspots where groups congregate to drink, and with a reputation for law and order problems. She suggested that restrictions are first rolled out to vulnerable areas, an then widened to other areas as and when they become problematic.

yanliang@sph.com.sg

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