The nightclubs and pubs at Orchard Towers are set to close down permanently in May 2023, with a total of 12 commercial units being told that their Public Entertainment Licenses will not be renewed, according to The Straits Times.
A spokesperson for the Singapore Police Force spoke to ST and said that the law and order situation at Orchard Tower has not improved over the years and remains a concern.
The police noted that there was a high volume of strong feedback from residents and developments nearby on the issues of public safety, vice activities and nuisance.
The operators who are affected by the latest move, said that they were surprised when they found out because many of them renewed their leases when Singapore “reopened” in 19 April earlier this year for nightlife establishments.
One operator told ST that the ban “penalises many landlords and operators unfairly”, and added that they were willing to work with the authorities to deal with the problems.
They also added that the vice activities were contributed by the beauty salons, rather than the nightclubs, where they don’t need to apply for a police license unless they are providing massage treatments or services.