16 F&B outlets forced to close after SMM breach

Amongst the F&B outlets are a KFC outlet and a Don Don Donki food court.

A KFC branch and a Don Don Donki food court were amongst 16 food and beverage (F&B) outlets ordered to shut down for breaching the Safe Management Measures (SMMs).

According to a press release from the Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment, the offenses of the 16 F&B outlets included allowing groups of more than two individuals from different households to be seated across multiple tables, allowing more than two individuals to be seated at the same table, permitting intermingling between groups, and multiple failures to ensure patrons across tables were seated at least one metre apart.

Meanwhile, 10 premises were fined $1,000 each for breaching SMMs by seating groups of customers less than 1 metre apart and playing loud music for customers. Three others were fined $2,000 each for repeated offences of seating groups of customers less than one metre apart and playing loud music as a form of entertainment. 

The ministry warned that individual repeat offenders may face higher fines or prosecution in court for egregious cases. It also warned operators that breached SMMs, including 1 metre safe distancing between groups of diners, will face closures, even for first offences.

"Even as we step up the pace of vaccinations in Singapore, we urge everyone to observe all SMMs and practise good hygiene, especially in high-risk settings such as when dining in at F&B establishments, to curb the spread of COVID-19", the ministry said.

It added, "Agencies will continue to enforce against any breaches at these premises and identified hotspots based on public feedback and ground observations. These include parks, beaches, and common areas of [Housing and Development Board] estates, such as hardcourts, basketball courts, and pavilions."