Following a year-long trial, bars in parts of the Singapore River precinct will permanently retain extended operating hours until 4am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Minister of State Alvin Tan announced on Monday that bars in the Boat Quay Historic District, Upper Circular Road, and Clarke Quay Conservation Area will continue selling alcohol until 4am on Fridays and Saturdays. The decision follows a year-long pilot program that began on August 18 of last year. These measures are being formalised to support nightlife vibrancy and tourism, with the new regulations taking effect on Tuesday.

Trial Results and Regulatory Approvals

The government reported that the pilot program yielded encouraging results, with the law-and-order situation remaining stable throughout the trial period. Between August of last year and June, the Urban Redevelopment Authority approved 37 applications for new nightlife uses in the Boat Quay Historic District. Additionally, police approved 92 applications for extended liquor trading hours across the three participating zones.

Safety and Stakeholder Collaboration

Public safety remains a priority, and the government will continue collaborating with stakeholders, including the Singapore Nightlife Business Association and the Singapore River One group, to maintain security. The Singapore River One group, which has acted as the place manager for the precinct since 2012, assisted with security patrols during the pilot. This current initiative follows a previous 2018 trial in Clarke Quay that was discontinued after four months due to an increase in public order offences.