Between 20 to 24 July 2021, the Police conducted enforcement operations on 77 massage establishments and 59 public entertainment outlets islandwide to clamp down on illegal activities.
Eight massage establishments had allegedly committed various licensing breaches under the Massage Establishments Act, and investigations against all the operators are ongoing.
Police had conducted enforcement operations on a unit located along Ubi Road 1 on 24 July 2021, on a commercial premises that was believed to have been operating as a Public Entertainment outlet. The Police are also investigating 13 persons allegedly found in the premises, for breaches of the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020. One 25-year-old man is also being investigated for alleged offences under the Public Entertainments Act and Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act, for his suspected involvement in managing the alleged illegal public entertainment outlet.
Under Section 5(1) of the Massage Establishments Act, those found carrying on a business of providing massage services in an establishment for massage without a valid licence shall be fined $10,000, imprisonment of up two years, or both. Those found to have breached the prescribed rules and conditions may be subjected to a fine not exceeding $5000. For repeat offenders, the offence carries a fine not exceeding $20,000, imprisonment of up five years, or both; and a fine not exceeding $10,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, or both.
For non-compliance with safe distancing measures under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020, offenders may be jailed for up to six months, fined up to S$10,000, or both. The offences of supplying liquor without a valid licence and providing public entertainment without a valid licence, carry a fine of up to $20,000 each.
The Police have been consistently taking enforcement action at massage establishments and public entertainment outlets to suppress vice and other illegal activities. Members of the public and businesses are advised to take safe management measures seriously. The Police have zero tolerance for irresponsible behaviour relating to the flouting of these measures and offenders will be dealt with firmly in accordance with the law.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
29 July 2021 @ 11:12 AM