Singapore’s 30‑Day Hostel Shut‑Down: Hawaii Gets the Axe
Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has ordered Hawaii Hostel on Bencoolen Street to halt all operations for a full month, citing blatant disregard for Covid‑19 safety rules.
What Went Wrong?
- Since 17 September, the hostel let over 260 guests in for leisure stays – a clear breach of the current ban on leisure bookings.
- The staff tried to dodge the rules by telling safety ambassadors that all visitors were “long‑term guests.” Turns out, they were all on short, laid‑back holidays.
- Guests’ reasons for stay were not recorded, turning the place into a “no‑purpose” playground for the virus.
Why This Matters
Hostels are like open‑air living rooms where strangers mingle in cramped spaces and for hours. The environment is ripe for virus transmission, so STB wants to keep the bubble intact.
Other Spice‑y Incidents
- On 9 October, a bar at Concord Shopping Centre (72 Mad Monk) was found open with no valid food shop licence, serving booze and pool past 10:30 p.m.
- Just a day later, CRIS Bollywood in Concorde Hotel let two patrons drink after closing time, cracking its own “no‑liquor‑after‑10:30” rule.
Penalties on the Table
According to the Covid‑19 (Temporary Measures) Act 2020:
- First‑time offenders: up to $10,000 fine.
- Repeat offenders: can be slapped with fines of up to $20,000.
Between 6–14 October, STB fined 16 individuals $300‑$1,000 each for failing to wear a mask – a sign that vigilance is getting tighter since the Phase 2 reopening.
The Takeaway
Long story short, “no fun, no fuss” isn’t just a meme. Singapore’s authorities are cracking down hard on anyone trying to squeeze in gaps in the rules. If you want a stay, stay respectful – or you’ll find yourself upside‑down in a 30‑day suspension instead of the sunny lodgings you expected.
<img alt="" data-caption="Chuan Yang Ji Mutton Soup Steamboat was one of five F&B establishments that were fined for failing to ensure safe distancing between customers.
PHOTO: Singapore Tourism Board” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”da324963-12d5-4647-99bc-4b996d3288ec” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/yq-fnbv1-17102020.jpg”/>
Restaurant Ruff‑Card: 5 Fines, 0 Happy Meals
What went wrong?
- Bagus Sio Good – got slapped with a fine for not following safety rules.
- Chuan Yang Ji Mutton Soup Steamboat – caught breaking the guidelines and paid the price.
- Beauty in a Pot – also faced a penalty for ignoring safe‑management measures.
- Other unnamed eateries – three more establishments added to the list this month.
The behind‑the‑scenes story
In a bid to keep diners safe amid the ongoing coronavirus situation, authorities have been tightening the screws on dining establishments. Those who slip up could end up with a hefty fine, and apparently, that’s exactly what happened to these five places.
Stay Informed on Covid
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Original article published by The Straits Times. Permission required for reproduction.
STB (Singapore Tourism Board) – travel and leisure warnings, coronavirus updates.
