Phase 3 (Heightened Alert) marks the second time in a year that restaurants in Singapore have had to reopen and restart their operations after a period of closure. While some of it feels familiar, there remains some uncertainty around updated regulations and new initiatives.
In our survey for restaurants to write in with questions, concerns about seating groups from the same household, Fast and Easy Testing (FET), Employer-Supervised Self Swab (ESSS) and early vaccination for restaurant staff were some of the most frequently asked queries. This article was put together with the aim to address some of these questions.
Enforcement has been stepped up and the penalties for these are harsh, even for first time offenders. When in doubt, we recommend erring on the side of caution. This is the only clear path to enabling dine-in at higher capacities in the near future.
Seating groups of more than 2 persons from the same household
Does a couple with an infant still need to be seated at two separate tables?
Yes. Babies and toddlers count towards the group size, whether or not they are seated in a stroller, or carried by a parent.
Can family members of the same household speak and/or share food while seated at separate tables?
Even if dining groups are from the same household, intermingling and sharing of food in the F&B establishment are not allowed.
What documents should be used to verify that parties of more than 2 persons are from the same household?
Restaurants have the right to ask for proof of address from parties larger than 2. If diners are unable to produce reasonable proof of address, restaurants have the right to refuse to seat the party.
For proof of address, you may request Singaporean and PR diners to show the address on their NRIC or Singpass app. For non-Singaporean/PRs, you may request to show the address on their latest credit card or bank statement, service/telecommunication/internet/utilities bill, or employment letter.
Fast and Easy Testing (FET) and vaccination for staff
How do we get priority to the vaccination list for our staff?
Restaurants interested in earlier vaccination can reach out to Restaurant Association of Singapore (RAS) at enquiry@ras.org.sg. RAS will work with restaurants to obtain the necessary details to facilitate earlier vaccination.
What are the next steps after applying for earlier vaccination? How long will F&B frontline workers have to wait to be vaccinated?
The Government recognises that staff of F&B dine-in establishments are involved in higher-risk activities and will facilitate earlier vaccination of individuals who work in these settings. Individuals will receive a SMS directly from MOH to book their appointment slots for vaccination, once there are available slots. MOH seeks your understanding that SMSes will be sent progressively as vaccination appointment slots are made available as supplies arrive.
Individuals are also encouraged to register under the national vaccination programme here if they are already in eligible age groups.
Is the earlier vaccination open to all F&B frontline workers, including foreigners?
All staff of restaurants are eligible for earlier vaccination, regardless of nationality. Interested restaurants can reach out to the Restaurant Association of Singapore (RAS) at enquiry@ras.org.sg for more details.
How often will swab tests have to be done and when will the testing routing commence?
The mandatory regular 14-day FET for staff at restaurants will be progressively rolled out from 21 June 2021 and made mandatory from mid-July 2021.
How can I learn more about FET, ART tests and Employer-Supervised Self Swab (ESSS) training for supervisors?
Training programmes to train supervisors in their establishments to supervise ART self-swabs for their staff will be provided at no cost for the next 3 months. More details on the registration process and collection of kits will be announced.
No background music during service
Can I play very light FM radio music?
No, music is not permissible while the restaurant is open, even when played at low volumes. This is to prevent diners from needing to project their voices and resultantly reduce possible transmission at restaurants.
However, when your restaurant is not operating — before and after operating hours or between shifts, you may allow staff to play some light music.
Can I play music in the kitchen for my staff while service is on?
No, as long as there are guests in the restaurant, there should not be music played in neither the front of house nor back of house.
Can I play music in my restaurant for my staff when there is no ongoing service?
Yes, when your restaurant is not operating — before and after operating hours or between shifts, you may allow staff to play some light music. However, when there are guests present at your restaurant, you should not play any music.
TraceTogether check-in requirements
Is TraceTogether check-in mandatory at my restaurant?
Yes, SafeEntry check-in via TraceTogether is now mandatory as of 17 May 2021. Read more.
What is a SafeEntry Gateway (SEGW), and how do I get one?
A SafeEntry Gateway can be provided by installing the SafeEntry Business App or by placing a government-issued SafeEntry Gateway Box at your entrance.
As your restaurant might need to wait to be issued a SafeEntry Gateway Box, you will be able to use the SafeEntry Gateway Function on the SafeEntry Business App in the meantime. Check the status of your SafeEntry Gateway Box here.
If my restaurant is located very close to the mall’s entrance and diners have already checked in via TraceTogether SafeEntry at the mall’s entrance, do diners at my restaurant still have to check in via my restaurant’s TraceTogether?
Yes, TraceTogether SafeEntry check-in is mandatory for all diners to your restaurant even if you are located within the mall and close to the mall entrance. Note that this is different from food that is ordered from kiosks, e.g. bubble tea stalls where diners are not dining in.
Enforcement of mask wearing by diners
Do guests have to put on their masks as they are eating and drinking between each sip or mouthful?
Diners can unmask as long as there is a drink on the table prior to food being served. There is no need to mask/unmask continuously. Once all food and drinks are consumed, masks need to go back on.
Self-service buffet lines
Can we open buffet lines?
Self-service buffet lines are not allowed. Food lines where diners can queue and be served by F&B employees are allowed with the necessary measures in place.
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