Several public entertainment venues, such as billiard saloons and amusement centres, can reopen from July 4, 2020, the Singapore police said in an advisory on June 30, 2020.

The following Category 3 public entertainment venues can re-open subject to the implementation of Safe Management Measures (SMMs):

• Amusement centres

• Computer games centres

• Billiard saloons

• Paintball games centres

• Axe-throwing centre

Singapore is pushing towards reopening the economy, with zoos and casinos welcoming back guests.

Post-Covid-19 set-up

All operators of these PE venues must also comply with the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020 to provide a safe environment for all employees and customers.

In the event that any operator is unable to comply with the SMMs, they should notify the Police Licensing & Regulatory Department (PLRD) and propose alternative measures to achieve the intended outcome of reducing the risks of Covid-19 transmission.

During the period of assessment of the proposal, the operator must not resume operation.

Operators should also refer to the Ministry of Manpower's prevailing requirements on workplace-specific SMMs and the advisories issued on general safety and crowd management, and implement the appropriate measures.

In addition to the above requirements, all public entertainment operators are strongly encouraged to implement the additional measures, such as queue management and control access to venue, to minimise the risk of transmission of Covid-19 on their premises.

Operators liable for breaches

All operators of these public entertainment venues must ensure that the SMMs are implemented, communicated and explained to all staff prior to resuming operations.

Operators who do not comply with requirements may be liable for an offence under the Covid-19 (Temporary Measures) Act 2020, and may face a fine not exceeding S$10,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or both, for the first offence.

Higher penalties of a fine of up to S$20,000, imprisonment of up to 12 months, or both, will apply for subsequent offences.

Failure to comply with these requirements may also result in ineligibility for any government support, such as rental rebates and wage support.

Public entertainment operators should also ensure that the requirements under the Public Entertainments Act, and all licensing conditions imposed, are strictly complied with at all times.

Any non-compliance with the relevant laws may result in regulatory action, including prosecution and revocation of the licence.

Top photo via Punggol Billiard