In Singapore between April and June, at least 45 entertainment venues have been permanently closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
About a month ago, Singapore announced the lifting of some restrictions on commercial activities, and most local enterprises were able to resume work and business.
However, nightclubs, bars and karaoke establishments still cannot reopen, at least until Phase 3 of reopening.
Singapore is currently at phase 2 of reopening, which is expected to continue for several more months.
According to statistics, of the 1,800 entertainment venues registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), 45 have been permanently closed between April and June.
Joseph Ong, president of the Singapore Nightlife and Entertainment General Chamber of Commerce, said: “We see more companies that have laid off employees of started selling equipment, they won’t come back.”
Bars and nightclubs have since turned to the catering industry and online events to help them maintain income during this period.
Zouk, converted its Capital Lounge space into a concept restaurant called Capital Kitchen.
However, the most badly hit among entertainment venues is the karaoke industry; they cannot find alternative sources of income and can only close indefinitely.
Ronald Ng, chairman of the Singapore Entertainment Alliance, said that strict licensing regulations make it very difficut to apply for a new restaurant license.
Also, changing the business from karaoke to F&B will require “very large risks”.
Ng added: “There really is no income, it has been four months, how do we continue?”
Ng also revealed that 16 karaoke operators in the country have chosen to permanently close their business, and he also said that the alliance has yet to report to the government the difficulties they are facing.
A spokeperson for K Star Karaoke also pointed out that people are at lower risk of contracting the coronavirus in karaoke venues than in coffeeshops and movie theaters.
She added that the industry can assign groups of five people to each room and let them sit separately, and each room can be disinfected before the next group of customers arrive.
She also added that: “If we continue to close for a few months, I hope the government can at least provide assistance in rent. I think this is the most important and difficult part for us.”
The rent rebate granted by the government will end in July.