Joint Press Release on Revitalisation Measures at Boat Quay Historic District, Upper Circular Road Area and Clarke Quay Conservation Area

The Government has reviewed the feedback from precinct stakeholders on the vibrancy of the Boat Quay precinct and neighbouring areas as part of its regular engagement with industry stakeholders, and will implement a series of revitalisation measures in these areas.

Background

Since December 2009, the Singapore Police Force (SPF), Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) have introduced various measures in the Boat Quay Historic District and Upper Circular Road area to address law and order concerns so that these areas remain safe and attractive to locals and overseas visitors.[1] The law-and-order situation at Boat Quay has remained stable over the last few years.

In line with ongoing efforts to enhance vibrancy and provide opportunities for businesses in the city centre, the Government will implement the following initiatives at the Boat Quay Historic District and neighbouring areas on a one-year pilot, with effect from 18 August 2025:

New Change of Use Applications for Bars, Pubs and Nightclubs at Boat Quay Historic District

Applicants may submit proposals for new bars, pubs and nightclubs along the Boat Quay Waterfront, Circular Road, Lorong Telok and Canton Street, where Singapore River One (SRO)[2] will assist with security patrols. Approved proposals for new nightlife uses in the applicable areas as mentioned above may be granted Temporary Permission for up to three years during the pilot.

Extended Liquor Trading Hours at Boat Quay Historic District, Upper Circular Road Area and Clarke Quay Conservation Area

SPF will consider applications from liquor licensees with relevant planning permissions[3] in Boat Quay Historic District, Upper Circular Road area as well as the Clarke Quay Conservation Area to extend their trading hours to 4 a.m. (on the following day) on Thursday and Friday nights. This is on top of the existing liquor trading hours of up till 3 a.m. (on the following day) on Sundays and weekdays, and 4 a.m. (on the following day) on Saturdays and eve of Public Holidays.

Please refer to the location map in the Annex for the areas mentioned in the above paragraphs.

Resumption of Road Closures at Circular Road

The Car-Free Zone initiative was first implemented in 2013 as part of efforts to enliven our public spaces and enhance the vibrancy of the area. Agencies will facilitate SRO’s proposal to resume the regular closure of Circular Road in the evenings of Friday and Saturday as well as eve of public holidays for events and pedestrian-friendly activities.

Security Measures to Ensure Law and Order

Even as the Government relaxes its regulatory stance at these areas, the safety and security of those visiting these areas remains a priority. The Government will work with local stakeholders to ensure that they take more responsibility for the law-and-order situation there, including stepping up private security deployments and infrastructural security measures. The respective agencies will also work with local stakeholders to ensure responsible management of the nightlife spaces and public areas at these locations.

Conclusion

This initiative is part of the Government's wider efforts, led by the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Pro-Enterprise Rules Review, to review regulations and reduce compliance burdens for businesses.

The Government will continue to work with industry stakeholders to facilitate a vibrant nightlife that Singaporeans can be proud of, and visitors can enjoy, without compromising on safety and security.

[1] The restrictions are: (i) limiting new planning permissions for bars, pubs and nightclubs while allowing existing establishments to continue operating; and (ii) limiting liquor trading hours to 3 a.m. (on the following day) on Sundays and weekdays and 4 a.m. (on the following day) on Saturdays and eve of Public Holidays.

[2] Singapore River One is a private sector-led partnership formed in 2012 to carry out placemaking for the Singapore River precinct through various activities in the areas of Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay. The organisation is participating in URA’s pilot Business Improvement District programme, an initiative that supports collective efforts by precinct stakeholders to create vibrant districts around Singapore.

[3] Police will only consider applications for extended liquor trading hours from premises with the following planning permissions from URA: restaurant-hybrid use such as “Restaurant and Bar”, pubs, bars and nightclubs.

Issued by: Ministry of Trade & Industry, Ministry of National Development, and Ministry of Home Affairs

Date: 7 August 2025