The nightlife scene operators have been hit hard by the pandemic, with karaoke operators struggling the most . — TODAY pic
Out of the 1,800 pubs, night clubs, discotheques, dance clubs and karaoke lounges registered with the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority at the end of March, 45 have thrown in the towel between April and June, based on information from the Singapore Department of Statistics. Besides, Mr Ng said changing the business concept from a karaoke outlet to a restaurant, for example, would be “a very big risk”.
“If we have to remain closed for several more months, then I hope the Government can help on our rental at least. I think this is the most important and difficult part for us,” added K Star’s spokesperson, referring to rental rebates that will end in July.Bars and nightclubs meanwhile have turned to stopgap measures to help them stay afloat during this period.
Zouk Singapore at Clarke Quay, for example, decided to utilise the unused space where Capital lounge is and turn it into a pop-up restaurant, now called Capital Kitchen. Other nightlife businesses with food licences are making a big shift in their business operations to focus on their food output including retraining staff, opening outlets for weekend lunches and getting on food delivery platforms.