It is common knowledge to return the trays and keep tables clean when eating in food courts and/or fast food establishments.
However, Singapore has decided to take a further step by making those who do not clear their tables to pay a fine.
This rule was actually enforced from 1 September 2021 for hawker centres and 1 January 2022 for coffee shops and food courts.
Starting 1 June 2023, they will be enforcing stricter rules! First-time offending diners will be asked for their particulars and will be issued a warning while subsequent offenders will have to be issued a fine of 300 SGD or even be charged in court.
According to Channel News Asia, this move is to “reinforce good habits and deter the minority of diners who repeatedly fail to return their used trays and crockery.”
Be it as it may, officers will take a more “pragmatic”‘ approach to this and will not take action against the “less-abled, frail elderly, or children” who are unable to clear their tables.
Ever since the enforcement of this rule, it was reported that tray return rates at coffee shops increased from 65% to more than 90%; the rate is the same for hawker centres.
As of 31 March 2021, no one was fined or charged in court for this offence but 2 written warnings were issued.
This definitely sounds like a good move, however, in a country like ours, do you think that this rule will be feasible? Let us know in the comments.
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