Supplying liquor to those under 18 online or through telecommunication services will be illegal from Jan 2, 2024.
People or businesses, including e-commerce platforms such as Shopee and GrabFood, that supply liquor online or through a telecommunication service will need a licence to do so. Telecommunication services refer to phone, SMS and Internet-based messaging services such as WhatsApp and Telegram.
Suppliers and e-commerce platforms will be required to verify the age of buyers, warn those under 18 that it is an offence for them to buy liquor and inform them of the penalty for doing so. Offenders may be fined up to S$10,000 (RM34,760).
This amendment of the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) (Liquor Licensing) Regulations 2015 follows a review of regulatory requirements by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Singapore Police Force, the police said in a statement on Nov 18.
“This move ensures parity with liquor licensees who operate bricks-and-mortar stores and will help to curb underage drinking,” police added.
Bricks-and-mortar stores are prohibited from selling liquor to anyone under 18.
Police added that as part of the review, licensees will not be required to keep or store the liquor at their licensed premises from Jan 2, 2024; they can use other premises for storage.
However, selling liquor from such premises used for storage is prohibited. — The Straits Times/ANN
