Nightspots Raring to Go, But Patrons Lukewarm on Liquor Hours Extension

Partygoers Say High Fares for Late-Night Rides on Ride-Hailing Apps a Deterrent

- Anjali Raguraman, Correspondent, and Koh Ming Lun

A fortnight after the authorities announced that businesses at Boat Quay and Clarke Quay will be able to extend liquor sale hours, some nightlife businesses have begun doing so, encouraging revellers to stay out till later.

But an appreciable uptick in business may yet take time to materialize, as patrons interviewed said they were lukewarm about the longer operating hours.

On Aug 22, the first Friday night since the easing of liquor licensing rules took effect, The Straits Times observed that nightlife enclave Clarke Quay was packed in the hours leading up to midnight.

Patrons spilt out of bustling live music venues onto walkways, and there was a palpable buzz in the air.

As part of a year-long trial announced on Aug 7, restaurant-bars, pubs, bars and nightclubs in the area can apply to extend their operating hours till 4am on Thursdays and Fridays.

The pilot to revitalise the historic district also lifts a 16-year moratorium on new applications for bars, pubs and nightclubs in the area, and will soon see Circular Road resume being a car-free zone on weekend evenings.

As at Aug 18, when applications opened, the police said they have received and approved six applications for longer liquor trading hours.

CapitaLand, which owns and manages Clarke Quay, said that more than 10 of its tenants, including Zouk, Octapas, Kopi & Spells, Cuba Libre, Gabbar Bistro & Bar, Warehouse and Senor Taco, have already applied to extend their liquor licence trading hours, with more tenants looking to do so.

Kopi & Spells and Octapas, which have live music and DJs every night of the week, are ready to welcome more late-night guests.