Public Entertainment Licence

Advisory on Updated Safe Management Measures (SMMs) for Public Entertainment (PE) Establishments

The Multi-Ministry Taskforce has recently announced further relaxation of SMMs that will take effect from 26 April 2022.

2. All nightlife establishments will be subjected to SMMs imposed on food and beverage (F&B) establishments, retail liquor establishments, and live performances, where applicable, including vaccination-differentiated SMMs (VDS). Operators may refer to the latest advisory for SMMs at F&B establishments here.

3. The following key SMMs will be imposed on PE-licensed nightlife establishments or settings:

Mask-wearing: Mask-wearing is required for indoor settings, even where there is/are singing and/or dancing among patrons. Masks may be removed for the consumption of F&B and should be put back on immediately after eating or drinking.
Capacity limits: A capacity limit of 75% will be required for nightlife establishments that provide dancing among patrons.
Supervised ART tests: VDS is required for nightlife establishments where dancing among patrons is one of the intended activities. In addition, a negative Antigen Rapid Test (ART) supervised by a MOH-approved test provider either in-person or remotely, will be required for patrons before entering the premises. The COVID-19 test will be valid for 24 hours from the time of the test result. The patron must get tested before the start of his/her visit; and at most 24 hours before the end of the attendance at the event or activity. This requirement will apply mainly to nightclubs and discotheques, but will also apply to any other establishments, including F&B, bars/pubs and karaoke businesses, intending to offer dancing among patrons, for instance, by providing a common area or stage. The list of MOH-approved COVID-19 test providers is available here

4. Establishments that intend to offer singing or dancing by patrons; as well as any live performance of music, variety act, singing or dancing, must have the relevant PE licence to do so, i.e. Category 1 PE Licence. More details on the resumption of nightlife businesses and FAQs can be found in Annex A

5. All PE-licensed establishments or settings are to regularly assess and identify the risks of transmission of COVID-19 that may arise in relation to PE activities, and to establish and apply appropriate internal policies, procedures and controls to mitigate risk from the activities identified as presenting a high risk of COVID-19 transmission.

6. PE-licensed establishments that provide live performances are strongly encouraged to routinely share a brief reminder or advisory on SMM compliance with the patrons in-attendance, before commencing their performances proper, when transiting between performances, and upon conclusion of their performance.

7. All PE operators are strongly encouraged to regularly check the following websites and Regulations for the prevailing SMMs that apply for its venues:

GoBusiness website athttps://covid.gobusiness.gov.sg/safemanagement/sector/
SPF website at https://www.police.gov.sg/e-Services/Police-Licences/Public-Entertainment-Licence
the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Control Order) Regulations 2020;
the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) (Reopening - Control Order) Regulations 2022; and
the Workplace Safety and Health (COVID-19 Safe Workplace) Regulations 2021.

8. F&B venues (including those with a valid PE licence to provide PE) should take guidance from the advisory on the required SMMs at https://www.enterprisesg.gov.sg/covid-19/safe-distance

Liability and Responsibility of Licensees

9. PE operators must fully comply with the requirements under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act 2020 and the WSH Regulations 2021. PE operators who do not do so will be liable for a closure order on the premises. Offenders may face a fine not exceeding $10,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months, or both, for the first offence. Higher penalties of a fine of not exceeding $20,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding twelve months, or both, will apply for subsequent offences. Failure to comply with these requirements may also result in ineligibility for any Government support.

10. PE operators should also ensure that the requirements under the Public Entertainments Act, the rules and regulations made thereunder, and all licensing conditions imposed, are strictly complied with at all times. Any non-compliance with the relevant laws may result in regulatory action, including but not limited to prosecutionandrevocation/non-renewal of the PE licence.

Contact Information

11. For further queries, please contact the Police Licensing & Regulatory Department at Tel: 6835 0000 or via email atSPF_PLRD_PELLD@spf.gov.sg.

Previous Advisories

Time-limited 8-weeks Rostered Routine Testing (RRT) for Workplaces

Two-month Time-limited Rostered Routine Testing (TLRRT) for Workplaces

Health Promotion Board (HPB) and Enterprise Singapore (ESG) have initiated another round of TLRRT to facilitate workplaces in the early identification of COVID-19 infections and reduce workplace transmission as more employees return to their workplaces.

2. Between 3 and 31 January 2022, eligible establishments can voluntarily apply for 8 Antigen Rapid Test (ART) kits per fully vaccinated employee for weekly testing of each employee over a two-month period. These employees should not be on any mandatory Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) or Fast and Easy Testing (FET) Rostered Routine Testing (RRT). The tests can be administered by the individuals themselves at home, or at the workplace.

3. Business that are permitted to operate, such as establishments holding a Category 3 public entertainment licence (i.e. amusement centres, snooker/billiard saloons, and gaming centres), and meet the eligibility criteria, are strongly encouraged to participate in this TLRRT initiative for their workplaces

4. The eligibility criteria, requirements for compliance & results declaration, and the details for the application can be found in Annex A.

5. More information on ART, including how to perform a self-test using ART and what to do if tested positive, can be found in the following links:

Resources	https://www.gobusiness.gov.sg/timelimitedrrt/
Self-test instructions	https://artbuddy.healthpixel.co/

6. For queries on the application, please contact:

HPB at 6876 5830 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, closed on Public Holidays)
ESG at https://go.gov.sg/helloesg or 6898 1800 (Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:30pm, closed on Public Holidays)

7. For any query relating to Category 3 PE-licensed establishments, please contact the Police Licensing & Regulatory Department via email at spf_plrd_pelld@spf.gov.sg.

Guidance Note on Improving Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality in Buildings Amid the Covid-19 Situation

Guidance Note on Improving Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality in Buildings Amid the Covid-19 Situation

The Building and Construction Authority (BCA), National Environment Agency (NEA) and Ministry of Health (MOH) have issued a Guidance Note to building owners and facilities managers with recommended measures to enhance ventilation and air quality in indoor spaces amid the current COVID-19 situation and resurgence of community cases.

2. Please refer to the following link for the joint Guidance Note issued on 25 May 2021:https://www.nea.gov.sg/our-services/public-cleanliness/environmental-cleaning-guidelines/advisories/guidance-on-improving-ventilation-and-indoor-air-quality-in-buildings-amid-the-covid-19-situation

3. Licensees are strongly encouraged to implement the recommended measures in the Guidance Note to improve ventilation and air cleaning in their premises, for their own safety and the safety of their customers.

Licence Revocation Actions Against Outlets that Repeatedly Flout Egregious COVID-19 Restrictions

All licensees holding public entertainment (PE) and liquor licences must fully comply with the requirements under the COVID-19 (Temporary Measures) Act 2020 and the Workplace Safety and Health (COVID-19 Safe Workplace) Regulations 2021 (WSH Regulations 2021). Operators who do not do so may face a fine not exceeding $10,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months, or both, for the first offence. Higher penalties of a fine of not exceeding $20,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, or both, will apply for subsequent offences.

2. All licensees are reminded that all requirements under the Public Entertainments Act and Liquor Control (Supply & Consumption) Act, the rules and regulations made thereunder, and all licensing conditions imposed, must also be strictly complied with at all times.

3. In addition, any non-compliance with the relevant laws, including the said public health laws, may also result in further regulatory action, including but not limited to prosecution and revocation/non-renewal of the PE and liquor licences. Between June 2021 to date, Police had already revoked 9 PE licences and 17 liquor licences of operators who had repeatedly breached egregious safe management measures under the public health laws; please refer to Annex A for the details of the past Police news releases.

Annex A – Past Police News Releases On Licence Revocation of Errant Outlets That Flouted Egregious Safe Measurement Measures Repeatedly

Dear Customers,

Since 1 August 2021, all over-the-counter services at the Police Licensing & Regulatory Department at the Police Cantonment Complex (391 New Bridge Road), would be only through pre-approved appointments (including making payments at the counter).

2. To make an appointment, please use the following link at www.picktime.com/policelicensing or the below QR code:

3. We will attend to cases of persons who turn up without an appointment on a case by case basis, only if they have a valid reason(s).

4. For all other enquiries, please use our online services at www.police.gov.sg/licence or email us at SPF_Licensing_Feedback@spf.gov.sg.

5. Thank you.

A Public Entertainment or Arts Entertainment licence is required to provide any entertainment (unless exempted); the definition of Public Entertainment and Arts Entertainment can be found in the First Schedule of the Public Entertainments Act (PEA).

Types of Public Entertainment Licence and Fees

The different categories of Public Entertainment, types of Public Entertainment licence and accompanying fees can be found here.

Exemption from a Public Entertainment Licence

Under the Public Entertainments Exemptions Orders¹, certain events or activities are exempted from a Public Entertainment licence or Arts Entertainment² licence, respectively, if a stipulated set of conditions is met. In addition, specific events/activities that are exempted require the organiser to notify the Police at least 7 days before the event/activity may be carried out.

For information on exemption from a Public Entertainment licence, click here

If you require the notifications forms, please select the appropriate forms below;

¹ Public Entertainments and Meetings (Exemptions) Order and Public Entertainments (Specified Arts Entertainment) (Exemption) Order 2005.

² The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) regulates AE.

Criteria for Grant of Licence

To be eligible for a Public Entertainment licence, the following criteria must be met:

The applicant must satisfy the criteria and requirements published by the Licensing Officer*;
The premises that would provide the public entertainment must be in an approved place, i.e. it must also meet the requirements under Section 2(3) of the Public Entertainments Act.

* For more information, please refer to : “Guidelines on the criteria and requirements for a person to be fit and proper to hold a public entertainment licence"

Responsibility of the Organiser

As the organiser, you are to conduct your event in a socially responsible manner and ensure that it does not cause any danger or undue alarm to the general public. Due considerations are to be taken to ensure all aspects of public safety, security, law and order are not compromised in the organisation of and during the event, and that the event activities do not contravene any legislation. If in doubt, you should seek your own legal counsel.

Sunk Investment Not Ground For Grant of Licence

Sunk investments e.g. renovation, purchase of equipment, rental of premises are not grounds for a licence to be granted. You should ensure that you have obtained the necessary Public Entertainment licence/ approval before starting renovation works or use the premises. Hence, you should consider the financial commitment to your business carefully if a licence/exemption has yet been granted. The following highlights two important considerations that you should take note before submitting an application to operate a Public Entertainment outlet.

Suitability of Location

Existence of Public Entertainment outlets in the vicinity of a proposed location does not automatically indicate that your application would be approved as other factors such as the law and order situation are taken into consideration when assessing your application.

Processing Fees by URA and HDB

Processing fees charged by URA and HDB (if applicable) for the planning permission or approval granted does not guarantee the approval of your Public Entertainment licence.

Licensing Conditions and Guidelines

Category 1

Activity	Licensing Conditions
Nightclubs, Cabarets, Discotheques, Bars, Lounges and other Public Houses – Any outlet with live performance of music, singing and/or dancing	Click here
Additional licensing conditions
Outlet under URA Class 15 (Nightclub) Land Use	CCTV requirements
Noise Control	Click here
Staging a Danceshow (where applicable)	Click here

Category 2

Activity	Licensing Conditions
Bars/Pubs, Lounges and Other Public Houses – Any outlet without live performance of music, singing and dancing	Click here
Additional licensing conditions
Noise Control	Click here
Staging a Danceshow (where applicable)	Click here

Category 3

Activity	Licensing Conditions
Amusement Centre	Click here
Billiard Saloon	Click here
Computer Games Centre	Click here
Axe-throwing Centre	Click here
Paintball Games Centre	Click here
Air-soft gun Games Centre	Click here

Category 4

Activity	Licensing Conditions
Operating Crane/ Game Machines at Premises other than Amusement Centres	Click here

Golf Simulator Centres

With effect from 10 August 2021, golf simulator centres are exempted from applying for a public entertainment licence if such a centre is able to fulfil a set of pre-determined conditions under Order 3(9E) of the Public Entertainments (Exemptions) Order.

Locations Where a Licence is Unlikely to be Granted

Applicants may wish to note that a new Public Entertainment licence is unlikely to be granted at the following locations. This is to manage the number of Public Entertainment establishments and mitigate law and order concerns in the areas:

Orchard Towers
Orchard Plaza
Cuppage Plaza
Parklane Shopping Mall
Geylang
Joo Chiat

A Public Entertainment licence is also unlikely to be granted at the following Historic Conservation Areas because URA intends to maintain the character and ambience of these areas.

Chinatown
Little India
Kampong Glam
Boat Quay
Blair Plain
Cairnhill
Emerald Hill

Replacement Copy of Licence

You can request for a replacement copy of your existing Public Entertainment licence in person at Police Licensing & Regulatory Department.

You will need to pay $11.00 for each new copy.

Types of Application

New and Renew

You may submit a new public entertainment licence (establishment licence or ad-hoc licence) or renew your existing public entertainment licence here.

Amend Licence Details

You may make the following amendments to your existing Public Entertainment licence:

Company Name (*Should the UEN change, you will have to apply for a new liquor licence.)
Downgrade & Upgrade of Category
Establishment Name
Extend or Reduce the premises
Key Appointment Holders
Licensee
Mailing Address
Operating Hours

Cancel Licence

You may cancel your existing Public Entertainment Licence any time before its expiration.

Please be informed that there will be no refund of the licence fees upon cancellation of the existing Public Entertainment licence, as stipulated under the Public Entertainments and Meetings Rules.

Withdrawal

You may withdraw your applications for any Public Entertainment licence at any time before the licence is approved.

If the licence has been approved and issued, you will no longer be able to withdraw it and you will need to make a request to cancel the licence.

Documents Required - Only Applicable to Application of Establishment Licence

You are required to obtain the following documents before applying for any Public Entertainment licence.

Planning permission URA, SLA or HDB on the land use of the premises; and
Registry of Societies certificate (if applicable, when applying on behalf of societies).

Processing Time

Approximately 3 weeks from the receipt of the application and the necessary supporting documents (if required). Any incomplete or incorrect submission will be rejected.

You will be notified of the outcome via SMS, email and post. Alternatively, you may login to GoBusiness Licensing to view your application status.

Submission of Application

You will be directed to GoBusiness Licensing webpage which will require you to sign in using your SingPass

If you require assistance or guidance on the GoBusiness portal, please contact their helpdesk at (+65) 6774 1430 or email licences-helpdesk@crimsonlogic.com.sg

The process may take around 15-20 minutes to complete.

APPLY

The licensee may be awarded Demerit Points in accordance to the Second Schedule of Public Entertainments (Demerit Points) Rules 2017.

Accumulation of Demerit Points

Licensees may wish to note that the accumulation of demerit points may result in the following regulatory action(s) to be taken:

Accumulated DPs*	Description of Regulatory Actions
At least 15	1-hour licence hours curtailment for a period of one month
At least 18	2-hour licence hours curtailment for a period of one month
At least 21	Suspension of licence for a period of one month
At least 24	Cancellation of licence

*Calculated according to Rule 6 of the Public Entertainments (Demerit Points) Rules 2017

Payment for Notice of Composition

The payment for Notice of Composition offence may be made online via “link”. Please login using your Singpass and quote the “notice number” (example: IF/2021XXXX/0001) found on the top right corner of the Notice of Composition.

Best Practices and Guidelines on Mitigation

Additional information related to Public Entertainment licence.

GoBusiness

GoBusiness is the go-to platform for businesses in Singapore to access Government e-services and resources, including applying for a public entertainment licence.