Drinking laws in Singapore (May 2025)

2023年2月25日

All You Need to Know about Drinking Laws in Singapore (May 2025)

Singapore being one of the more strict country with rules and laws, its no wonder even locals are sometimes unsure of where drinking is allowed or disallowed and if there is a cut off time for drinking liquors. And, certainly you don't want you to pay extra 'tax' unnecessarily.

For the latest change you may also refer to Singapore Statutes Online for the latest Liquor Control updates on "Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption)".

Are there any restrictions for drinking in Singapore

Before we goes into the detail restrictions, the definition of 'Liquor' Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act 2015 (Revised in 2020) states

“liquor” means —

a beverage containing more than 0.5% ethanol by mass or volume;
a mixture of ethanol and some other substance or liquid (including water) and containing more than 0.5% ethanol by mass or volume; or
any other substance (whether or not a beverage or liquid) that is prescribed by the regulations as liquor;

Legal Drinking Age in Singapore

Under the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) (Liquor Licensing) Regulations 2015 by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Singapore Police Force.

No person who is below the age of 18 years shall buy or attempt to buy any intoxicating liquors for consumption on any licensed premises.

It is an offence for individuals below the age of 18 to buy liquor and offenders may be fined up to $10,000.

General Liquor Drinking Restrictions in Singapore

For Retail/Supply/Takeaway
- Retail outlets are allowed to sell liquor from 7am to 1030pm.
For Bars/Restaurant
- The permitted hours will vary depending on the type of licence.
- The earlier allows till 10pm and later till 1159pm. Or, as indicated on the licence.

Can I drink in the public after permitted hour then?

No. This restriction applies to all public places, including parks and void decks.

Liquor Control Zone

Liquor Control Zones are defined as areas in Singapore that carries a significant risk of public disorder associated with the consumption of liquor.

So with a stricter trading hours for retail or supply:

Mainly, it will be two areas: Geylang & Little India

Geylang area as described in Part 1 of the Schedule

Little India area as described in Part 2 of the Schedule.

Can I get drunk in public?

No. Under the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act.

"Any person who is found drunk and incapable of taking care of himself, in any public road or in any public place* or place of public amusement or resort, or in the immediate vicinity of any court or of any public office or police station or place of worship, shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $1,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one month and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine not exceeding $2,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months."

Are there any rules for drinking at home or in private areas?

Drinking at home or in non-public areas such as hotel rooms or private function rooms are not controlled by the Liquor (Supply and Consumption) Act. This means that you can drink past the stipulated timing.

Where can I order get liquor in Singapore?

That's where businesses like ours, Three Musketeers Liquor Delivery come in. We provide express island wide delivery. You can also order with Same Day Delivery (Cut off at 5pm) or Next Day Delivery options as well!