From June 19 to 28, four composition fines have been issued by Enterprise Singapore (ESG) to businesses and an employee for not adhering to safe distancing measures in Phase 2.

Fines issued following inspections

According to a press release issued on Monday, June 29, the fines were meted out following inspections at malls and workplaces.

Two composition fines of S$1,000 each were issued to two food and beverage (F&B) outlets and one retail outlet after they failed to enforce proper Safe Management Measures even after "multiple warnings", said the statutory board under the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

F&B outlets Shi Li Fang Hot Pot (Junction 10) and New Udon Thai Food (Golden Mile Complex), were fined for failing to ensure at least one-metre safe distancing among customers in queues and between groups of diners, as well as poor crowd control.

Retail outlet, Skechers (Causeway Point), failed to manage queues properly, resulting in congestion at its entrance as a result of in-store promotions, ESG said.

Nearly a week ago, the footwear chain store was holding a promotion that allowed customers to buy a second pair of shoes for just S$1.

As for the remaining composition fine of S$300, it was issued to an employee of Prata Wala (Tampines Mall), for not wearing a mask when preparing food and managing the cashier and taking orders.

Businesses urged to comply with safe distancing measures

Retail and F&B establishments must continue to comply with safe distancing measures as larger crowds are expected in malls, ESG stressed.

In addition, the government agency urges businesses to continue complying with safe distancing measures that were announced on June 16.

It said that while most businesses have implemented the necessary measures, a number of them still fail to adhere to the requirements.

Key observations from recent inspections include failure to ensure adequate safe distancing between customers, and the improper wearing of masks.

ESG would also like to remind F&B establishments that they are responsible for ensuring at least one-metre distance between different groups of diners in the outlet, especially for back-to-back seating or for booth seats.

It added that both F&B and retail establishments must ensure proper queue markings and crowd control during anticipated peak periods, and that employees must put on face masks properly at all times except when eating or drinking.

The updated guidelines and the full list of Safe Management Measures can be found here.

Diners and members of the public reminded to follow safety measures

In addition, ESG would like to remind members of the public to remain vigilant, practise safe distancing and cooperate with the measures put in place by the establishments.

"They must wear masks whenever they are out and limit gatherings to no more than 5," ESG said.

As for diners at F&B establishments, they should only remove their masks while eat or drinking, instead of the whole duration of their meal.

Penalties

Under the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Act passed in Parliament on April 7, first-time offenders will face a fine of up to S$10,000, imprisonment of up to six months, or both.

Subsequent offences may face a fine of up to S$20,000, imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both.

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