Restaurants, rejoice! With dine-in restrictions in Singapore easing to allow for up to 10 diners per party size from 29 March 2022, we’re gearing up for a long-awaited comeback. Here’s a summary of the current dine-in regulations as of 24 March 2022:
- Restaurants are now able to accommodate a party size of 10.
- SafeEntry is no longer required for restaurants that choose to keep the maximum party size to 5 pax.
- The ban on alcohol sale and consumption after 10.30pm will be lifted.
- Restaurants are still required to keep a one-metre distance between groups of diners, whether indoors or outdoors.
Just because your restaurant can now accommodate party sizes of 10, it doesn’t mean you should open the floodgates straight away. Here are best practices to accommodate these new rulings and ensure that your restaurant runs smoothly.
1. Party size of 10 fully vaccinated diners
- Let your reservations management system provider know if you wish to increase your current maximum party size.
- Manage your current inventory and staffing to ensure that your restaurant can keep up with the high demand
- Ensure you have implemented full vaccination-differentiated safe management measures.
- Once you have confirmed that you are increasing your party size, communicate these new changes in your email marketing and social media. Content angles include Good For Groups, Group Sets, and the like.
- If you choose to keep party sizes to 5 pax per table, you can save manpower on SafeEntry checks.
- To accommodate greater demand and bigger dining parties, ensure you manage your waitlists efficiently to avoid frustration from diners.
2. 75% of employee return-to-office
- If your restaurant is located in a business district or industrial estate, milk this news for all its worth!
- Reintroduce your current lunch sets or re-market existing ones to your existing diners.
- Reopen private rooms to accommodate business or client presentations or board meetings.
3. Live entertainment returns
- Depending on your restaurant’s public entertainment license, live entertainment is now allowed.
- Schedule live performances with musicians and DJs who are eager to return to the spotlight — notably if your restaurant is housed within an entertainment precinct.
- Start a ‘welcome back music’ series with DJs and create hype with discounted specials on DJ and music nights. Some local DJ recommendations include EATMEPOPTART and BLACKOUT.
- Bring back the screening of live broadcast programmes such as sporting networks.
4. Sale and consumption of alcohol allowed past 10.30pm
- Communicate any changes to your restaurant’s opening hours as well as alcohol sale and consumption hours.
- Highlight post-10.30pm drink specials in your social media and email marketing.
- To accommodate larger groups of 10, implement table packages for your diners to plan a night out.
On our part, we will continue to keep you updated about changing regulations. Get in touch with us should you need further assistance. Here’s to celebratory meals ahead!
