The good old days of knocking back a cold one at the bar with thumping beats in the background seem like a distant memory, but here's some promising news. The first group of nightlife businesses has been allowed to reopen, under a pilot programme that was announced back in November.
From which, three bars and pubs have been selected and allowed to reopen their doors this week. These places include Bar Kiharu at Orchard Plaza (opening on December 9), Bell Bar at Cuppage Plaza (December 8), and Skinny’s Lounge at Boat Quay (December 9).
The three establishments were chosen after reviews by the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Home Affairs.
This is not the time to let your hair down and go crazy, however. A slew of safe distancing rules still has to be adhered to. Existing measures such as drinking in groups of no more than five, and no sale or consumption of alcohol beyond 10.30pm still stands.
Additionally, only recorded music, no louder than 60 decibels, may be played. That's about as loud as a normal conversation. And we hate to break it to you, but you won't see any dancing either. Live music acts, radio and television broadcasts, along with public entertainment of billiards, darts, pool, dancing, and karaoke, are prohibited.
SafeEntry has to be done via TraceTogether, and closed-circuit television cameras will have to be activated and recordings to be kept for at least 28 days.
Come next month, the ministries are expected to announce the pilots for select nightclubs and karaoke outlets – so that's something we can look forward to in 2021.
In the meantime, here's how you can still visit select clubs during this period.