Update on Apr. 22, 4:15pm: Grab has said that they are aware of the incident, and are assisting the authorities in the investigation.
You can read the full statement here:
“Our platform, as well as merchant partners impacted by the new measures announced yesterday, saw a sudden surge in orders last evening (21/4). Our delivery and merchant partners had been working hard to fulfil them. We are aware of the incident and are assisting the authorities in the investigation. These are challenging times for all of us, and we would urge more patience and understanding among all users.”
On the night Apr. 21, Singapore witnessed an altercation over bubble tea.
The incident occurred at the shop front of Playmade in Waterway Point mall involving its staff and a food delivery personnel.
Earlier that day, the Covid-19 Multi-Ministry Taskforce announced that less essential F&B outlets, including bubble tea shops, will be closed as part of stricter measures implemented during the circuit breaker.
The new measure then kicked in at 11:59pm on the same day on Apr. 21.
In light of the hullabaloo, Playmade has released a Facebook statement.
According to Playmade, the incident was between their staff and a delivery rider.
At that time, within the last hour of closing, the store had received more than 150 orders, amounting to about 600 cups, via delivery alone.
This was despite efforts to stop orders from coming through.
The result was an "immense pressure" on both the team and delivery riders to complete the orders.
"Providing good customer and delivery partner experience is very important to us," Playmade added.
The store then apologised to those affected by the incident, and said that an investigation was ongoing:
"We recognise that we have not always been able to deliver the experience we have set out to achieve. We promise to use this time to improve and work on the necessary changes during the extended circuit breaker to better serve everyone of you, our customers and delivery partners."
Videos circulating online
Videos of the quarrel have been circulating online.
A GrabFood rider can be heard demanding the staff to "come out".
You can watch the video here.
In response to queries by Mothership, the police said that a 38-year-old man has been arrested in relation to the incident.
They had received a call for assistance at about 9:39pm, and subsequently arrested the man for public nuisance.
Police investigations are ongoing.
Top image via messaging platforms