This archive report was first published on 26 June 2020.
On May 2020, Singapore was still under partial lockdown to contain the COVID-19 outbreak, with restrictions in place to limit social gatherings and movement.
Despite these restrictions, a group of Britons in their 30s decided to meet at a popular bar and restaurant district in Singapore, where they went to three bars and drank beer outside for about 45 minutes.
According to local media, customers were allowed to order takeaway alcohol but not drink inside the premises at the time.
Photos of the group drinking outside circulated widely on social media, sparking anger among some Singaporeans who felt that foreigners were breaching restrictions while locals were being charged for similar violations.
Prosecutors described the group's actions as a 'pub crawl,' saying they 'knew but did not care that they were breaking the law.'
The two Britons pleaded guilty to breaking virus rules and were fined Sg$9,000 (US$6,500) each. Their work permits were also revoked, and they were banned from working in Singapore.
Additionally, an American couple was fined and banned from working in Singapore after they went to buy food in the same area and stopped to buy takeaway beer, which they offered to an Austrian man. The Austrian, a Singapore permanent resident, was also fined.
