SINGAPORE - Even as the new alcohol law kicked in at midnight on Wednesday, the crowd did not seem to care.

At least 200 people were hanging out on Read Bridge at Clarke Quay after midnight and drinking with their friends even though the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act bans drinking in all public places from 10.30pm to 7am. Some 12 posters were put up on lamp posts on the bridge, but the revellers appeared to ignore them.

Most on the bridge were foreigners, and some said they were not aware of the law. Others, while they knew, said they were not sure if it kicked in after midnight or only after 10.30pm on Wednesday.

Mongolian tourist Batbold G., 32, said: "I didn't know about the rules, and I'll continue to drink since there are so many people here. I'm leaving Singapore on Wednesday and I want to enjoy myself first."

A 43-year-old British expatriate, who did not want to be named added: "I didn't know it was immediately taking place. I will finish it up then. But I believe 99.9 per cent of people don't go out and create trouble when they drink, so why would you legislate against the majority?"

Meanwhile, staff members at retail shops like 7-11 and Cheers, said they knew about the ban and would stop selling by midnight. Under the law, the sale of takeaway alcohol is not allowed from 10.30pm to 7am. At 12am, they could be seen turning away customers, who even offered to pay twice the price.

The scene was much quieter with no one drinking in the vicinity of Robertson Bridge, about a 10-minute walk from popular nightclub Zouk.