The sleaze is back full circle in Circular Road

It was cleaned up to become a more gentrified area but seedy operators have now returned

SPH Brightcove Video
Loud, pounding music, bright neon lights and hostesses are common features at a handful of bars in Circular Road. In the past, hostesses seldom ventured outside. Today, they fight for attention to entice male clients.
Women in skimpy outfits beckoning to men to enter their clubs in Circular Road earlier this month. The resurgence of seedy bars in the area has put a damper on business, says the co-founder of an establishment there which closed last year.
Women in skimpy outfits beckoning to men to enter their clubs in Circular Road earlier this month. The resurgence of seedy bars in the area has put a damper on business, says the co-founder of an establishment there which closed last year.
In the day, the eateries draw the office crowd. In the night, a different scene emerges as the area has attracted seedy operators.
In the day, the eateries draw the office crowd. In the night, a different scene emerges as the area has attracted seedy operators. PHOTO: SINGAPORE RIVER ONE
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Like in other parts of the central business district, the eateries along Circular Road are packed with the office crowd during lunchtime on weekdays.

But by night, the shutters are raised at some of the other shophouse units, where scantily clad women court a different clientele.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on December 30, 2018, with the headline The sleaze is back full circle in Circular Road. Subscribe