Families, Friends, & Footsteps of the Mic: Karaoke Outlets Seek Their Own ID
In a move that sounds like a plot twist straight out of a feel‑good drama, nine Singapore‑wide karaoke spots just threw open the file door in front of the government. A petition now live on Change.org begs the authorities to give these family‑friendly venues a separate label, ditching the sticky label they currently share with nightclubs and KTV lounges on the back trail of a Covid hotspot.
The Petition, For Sound’s Sake
Titled “Separate family karaoke from nightclubs and KTV with hostess and allow us to operate safely,” the petition, launched on July 15, has already caught the eye of over 1,600 folks by Friday noon. Signatures came from:
- 7th Heaven KTV & Cafe
- Sing My Song Family Karaoke
- K Voice Family Karaoke
- Teo Heng KTV
- 8 Degree Lounge
- Major 99
- HaveFun Karaoke
- K Star
- Cash Studio
The group’s main argument? These spots are for youth, kids, and family — essentially a place where the only thing that gets across the floor is a beat, not a “dance‑floor‑and‑hosting” vibe. They emphasize that most business hours happen during the day, and their rooms are snug, non‑intermingling spaces that can keep everyone safely apart.
From Dim Light to Full House
In Singapore, entertainment licences are handed out by the police, which has left karaoke shops feeling like ambassadors of the “back‑room” nightlife category. The new classification would shift them into a “Family Karaoke” bracket, potentially opening the door for safer operations such as:
- Fully vaccinated guests only
- Pre‑event rapid testing
“It has been a while—almost 16 months—since we were told we can’t run,” says Mr. Flint Lu, founder of HaveFun Karaoke with six islandswide locations. “While cinemas and arcades are back, the continued wait for us is turning into something that feels off‑track and, frankly, risky.”
Changing the Tune of the Industry
During the earlier pause, the number of karaoke establishments plummeted from over 50 to less than 20. Even the big names like Manekineko halted all eight of its Singapore shops. Some survived by pivoting to “work & study” rooms or food & beverage hubs.
But the plea from the nine outlets is pointing out a louder “hello” about the viability of the industry:
“The longer the government stays silent, the greater the risk of smaller operators cracking into private and eventually illegal business,”
Little and the U, the Singapore Entertainment Affiliation representing the karaoke community, are on standby for a response.
In The Groove: A Future Sound‑Safe Vision
To show that the industry can be both dreamy and safe, the petition promises to pioneer a pilot scheme that would allow karaoke rooms to open for those vaccinated or test‑positive before heading to the booth.
So, folks, if you’re craving a jam session with your family (no hostesses, no cocktail glasses, just pure rhythm), this petition might pave the way to bring back the “halftime karaoke” in its best version—without any unwanted whistles of virus.