Feedback wanted on no-alcohol zones and shorter sale hours of alcohol at retail outlets

Groups of people drinking along the Singapore River at Robertson Quay. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Government feedback arm Reach have launched a public consultation to seek views on proposed measures to designate no-alcohol zones at some p
Groups of people drinking along the Singapore River at Robertson Quay. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Government feedback arm Reach have launched a public consultation to seek views on proposed measures to designate no-alcohol zones at some public places and shorten the sale hours of alcohol at retail outlets. -- NP FILE PHOTO: GAVIN FOO 

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and Government feedback arm Reach have launched a public consultation to seek views on proposed measures to designate no-alcohol zones at some public places and shorten the sale hours of alcohol at retail outlets.

In a statement on Monday, MHA said these measures aim to curb alcohol intoxication, and protect the public from "safety threat and dis-amenities caused by drinkers congregating at public places".

MHA said that some Members of Parliaments and residents living near congregation hotspots such as Robertson Quay and Little India have raised concerns in the media about these issues. It added that excessive alcohol consumption and intoxication give rise to law and order problems such as disorderly behaviour and fights, as well as public nuisance such as noise pollution and littering.

"In view of the above, MHA is looking at upstream measures to holistically tackle the problems of alcohol intoxication and public drinking in the long term," said the statement.

The consultation period ends on Dec 31. The public can access the public consultation on the Reach website. Feedback can also be submitted to reach@reach.gov.sg.

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