Prohibit Consumption of Alcohol in Areas Close to Residential Blocks

Mr Darryl David asked the Minister for Home Affairs whether the Government will prohibit alcohol consumption in all public areas in HDB estates that are close to residential blocks to prevent undesirable acts of indiscriminate urination, rowdy behaviour and acts of public affray that affect the residents of the affected blocks.

Under the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act, consumption of alcohol in all public places, including public areas in Housing and Development Board (HDB) estates, is already prohibited between 10.30 pm and 7.00 am. The restricted hours were intended to minimise disruption to the usual activities of most residents as 10.30 pm is the closing time of most businesses in residential areas, as well as the time when most community activities cease.

Since the Liquor Control Act came into effect on 1 April 2015, we have observed a general islandwide decline in the number of public order incidents related to liquor consumption and feedback on social disamenities, such as noise caused by people drinking in public late at night. There is, therefore, no necessity to extend the restricted hours for public consumption of alcohol at the present time.

The Member's suggestion to extend the restricted hours for certain areas in HDB estates is also challenging to implement. This would result in finely delineated zones within the same HDB estate. Different common areas, depending on whether they were located near residential blocks, would have different restricted hours for alcohol consumption. Members of the public may be confused which zone they are in, making compliance and enforcement difficult.