Drinking in public is like a social time bomb. A park, for example, is for the public and tourists alike to enjoy in a civil manner. But drinkers spoil the image of the place and scare away others.
A void deck is part of a home owner’s property. It is not meant for drinkers, who sometimes assemble in groups and threaten the peaceful ambience, especially on weekend nights. Women would return home feeling unsafe. Why should this be the case? Drinkers are like intruders on a property in such instances. Public areas are meant for the public to go about their daily routine, and not meant to be taken over by drinkers and their rowdy behaviour.
If no stern measures are taken, the Little India riot may only be the tip of the iceberg, as there are other “little nations” in other parts of Singapore.
Singapore should go the way of some cities and ban alcohol consumption in parks, streets, void decks and other public places.
Alcohol should be bought and consumed only in places such as homes, hotels and hostels, dormitories, pubs, eateries and coffee shops.
Alcohol sales in coffee shops, though, should be restricted more tightly only if the situation in such places gets out of hand.
Owners could be held responsible for fights that occur on their premises due to excessive alcohol sale and consumption. There could be guidelines on the maximum number of cans or bottles consumed by each patron to minimise drunkenness.
The issuance of liquor licences to retail outlets should be minimised and alcohol sale hours restricted to no later than 8pm.
NG GEK MENG
*Article first appeared on TodayOnline Forums (10 Jan)