Singapore Law Simplified

Alcohol Laws in Singapore

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Singapore Law Simplified
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Singapore enforces strict regulations on alcohol-related matters, including the legal age for consumption, sale restrictions, and drink-driving laws.

Legal Drinking Age

  • The legal age to purchase and consume alcohol is 18 years old.
  • This applies to licensed premises like restaurants and supermarkets.

Clubs and Age Restrictions

  • While there’s no law specifying a minimum age to enter clubs, most clubs set entry limits between 18 to 23 years.
  • Clubs serving alcohol require patrons to be at least 18.
  • Valid ID must be shown at entry; using a fake ID is a criminal offence punishable by up to 10 years’ imprisonment and/or a fine.

Sale & Supply of Alcohol

  • It is illegal to sell or serve alcohol to individuals under 18.
  • Violators can face fines up to $5,000.
  • As of January 2024, online or telecom-based liquor supply to minors is also an offence, with fines up to $10,000.
  • Sellers must warn underaged individuals about the offence and its penalties.

Alcohol Purchase Restrictions

  • It is an offence for minors to buy or attempt to buy alcohol, or for others to buy it on their behalf – punishable by up to $10,000 in fines.
  • Food items with over 0.5% alcohol (e.g., rum & raisin ice cream) are exempt from licensing laws and can be bought after 10.30pm, including by those under 18.

Consumption Rules

  • Public consumption of alcohol is banned from 10.30pm to 7am.
  • Liquor Control Zones (e.g., Little India, Geylang Serai) have tighter restrictions on weekends and holidays, with takeaway alcohol sales banned from 7pm onwards.
  • Offences in these zones carry 1.5 times the usual penalties.
  • Drinking at home is not regulated by law.

Drink-Driving Laws

  • It is a criminal offence to drive under the influence or beyond the alcohol limit (35 µg/100 ml breath or 80 mg/100 ml blood).
  • First-time offenders face:
    • Up to 1 year imprisonment
    • Fines between $2,000 and $10,000
    • 2-year driving ban
  • Repeat offenders face harsher penalties, including lifetime driving bans.

Conclusion

Singapore’s alcohol laws aim to curb misuse and protect public safety. Offences, especially drink-driving, carry heavy consequences. If you or someone you know struggles with alcohol, seek help through services like:

  • NAMS
  • We Care Community Services
  • Alcoholics Anonymous
  • Al-Anon Meetings