The Singapore Police Force (SPF) said in a statement on 27 January 2023 that they would not be renewing existing licenses for public entertainment establishments at Orchard Towers past 31 May 2023.
This would effectively affect 12 units in the premises who hold the Cat 1 Public Entertainment licenses.
Establishments who were operating these units have already been told last year in July that their licenses would not be renewed past 31 May 2023 as it is part of the SPF’s efforts to manage law and order.
Orchard Towers have a reputation for fights breaking out as well as a lot of sleazy things ongoing.
Over the years, the SPF have also been in touch with operators of public entertainment venues in the mall due to many feedback by residents living near the area.
These feedback often are about vice related activities, nuisance to the public as well as the safety of the public.
The SPF also added that adequate time is given to these business operators from July 2022 to May 2023 to make adjustments to their licenses or apply for another public entertainment license for relocating their current businesses.
Business Owners still hopeful for licenses to be renewed
The association handling businesses in Orchard Tower’s had recruited more security personnel to ensure the safety and peace of the premises, in hopes that the SPF would reconsider their decision to not renew the licenses.
Some business owners remained hopeful though before the statement by the SPF that the SPF would reconsider not renewing the licenses.
They said that before extra security personnel were recruited, there were more fights and commotion going on as compared to after they were recruited though there are still some small commotion which would break out from time to time.
However, these small commotions are often resolved as soon as it starts by the security personnel on duty.
Others working in the building also said that with security personnel recruited to be on duty, it had indeed made Orchard Towers safer.
Certain operators had also agreed to cut operations at 4am instead of 6am, in their efforts to keep the place safe.
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