THE NEW LIQUOR CONTROL PROPOSED BILL
On Monday, 19 January 2015, Second Minister for Home Affairs S. Iswaran tabled a new Liquor Control Bill. While we, Singapore Justice Party (SJP), agreed that some form of control of sales of liquor is necessary to minimise public disorder and littering.
What we, SJP, disagrees with the curb timing and reasoning given by Mr S. Iswaran.
1) Why the curb of sale in retail stores are affected? Is it only necessary that people purchase the liquor of the shelves instead purchasing in the clubs are tend to be excessive drinker? Or is Mr S. Irwaran implying that certain groups of people are not well behaved?
Does it matter whether they drink in the open space, coffeeshops or in the clubs, if they want to misbehave, are you able to differentiate them if they are drinking in the open space or in the clubs? Does that make any difference?
2) Littering, no matter what time the curb starts, still will have the same effect as it's a person behaviour when drinking. What the government need is through education educating the public.
3) Why are retail store being discriminate? Because they sell cheaper liquor? Or Mr S. Irwaran implying that only certain class of people are allowed to drink after these hours? Can't those people of low income earner to have some enjoyment of drinking after their work?
SJP feel that certain control is need but to be equal to all people and business. A justifiable timing will be 3a.m for all outlets to stop selling liquors, be it retail or clubs. If not impossible, scrap the whole bill
Mr Lim Lian Chin
Organising Secretary of Singapore Justice Party
Member of Singapore Democratic Alliance