Enterprise Singapore (ESG) and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) have imposed five composition fines for flouting safe distancing measures, after conducting enforcement checks over the long weekend.
Two F&B establishments and one grocery retail store were fined for failing to implement crowd management and allowing customers and delivery personnel to crowd together without one-metre spacings.
A Putien branch at 127 Kitchener Road, Komala’s Vege Mart at 125 Dunlop Street and a Jollibee outlet next to Causeway Point were each issued a fine of $ 1,000. They had previously been given warnings.
Another two fines of $ 300 each were issued to two individual food delivery personnel.
ESG and STB also instructed 30 businesses to cease operations, as they remained open during the circuit breaker period although they do not fall under essential services.
In a press release on Sunday (12 April), the two agencies said they will no longer issue warnings.
Businesses found flouting safe distancing measures from now on will face immediate penalties such as composition fines.
Delivery businesses must also take concrete steps to ensure their delivery personnel cooperate and adhere to the measures.
If safe distancing is not practiced during food pick-up and delivery, action may be taken against the delivery personnel, delivery platforms, and F&B establishments.
Under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act, first-time offenders will face a fine of up to $ 10,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both.
Subsequent offences may face a fine of up to $ 20,000, imprisonment of up to twelve months, or both.
To further safeguard public health, customers are now required to wear a mask when visiting supermarkets, convenience stores, pharmacies and shopping malls.
Featured Image Credit: Enterprise Singapore