Corporate Resource
Singapore River One (SRO) is a private sector-led partnership charged with the day-to-day management, maintenance, enhancement and marketing of the Singapore River. SRO is a legally-established not-for-profit company focusing on leveraging public and private investments, increasing footfall, and enhancing property values within the Singapore River precinct.
The Singapore River precinct is an attractive location to set up a business due to its position at the heart of the country. These resources are provided to guide individuals on the setting-up and management of businesses within the precinct, including which agencies to approach, as well as SRO and our partners’ services.
All information stated in the website is correct at time of publishing and subject to change. Users are encouraged to do their due diligence and check with the relevant agencies. This page was last updated in January 2024.
Starting a business in Singapore River
Establishing a business in Singapore River comes with a unique set of requirements.
There are a number of licenses, approval and checklists from various government agencies.
1. Requirements from Government Agencies
Outdoor advertisements are fast becoming a major visual element in our built environment and they characterize many shopping malls and streets in our city-state.
Not only do they provide a strong visual presence, but they can also create buzz and add vibrancy to the streetscape. Therefore, it is important that outdoor advertisement signage and signboards are properly displayed, well-maintained and safe.
Furthermore, their design has to be compatible with the overall planning intention of the location at which they are displayed. For conservation buildings, such as the Boat Quay area, this is especially important.
All applications must go through BCA online portal: Advertisement Licensing System (ALS)
2. Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (IRAS)
New businesses may be interested in registering for Goods and Services Tax (GST). GST is a broad-based consumption tax levied on the import of goods (collected by Singapore Customs), as well as nearly all supplies of goods and services in Singapore. In some countries, GST is known as the Value Added Tax (VAT).
To find out if you are liable for GST-registration, click here to find out more. If you are liable for GST-registration, click here to submit your application.
3. Land Transport Authority (LTA)
LTA enforces parking regulations across the island to keep traffic flowing freely and ensure that pedestrians may walk safely without obstruction. It is an offence to park illegally along public roads. If you do so, you will be issued a parking notice. You may read more on the following here. If you encounter any illegal parking, you are encouraged to report it via the LTA online form submission.
4. Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA)
Arts Entertainment License
Arts entertainment events or activities include plays, music and dance performances, art exhibitions, variety shows and pop/rock concerts will require this license. Find out more here.
The standard price will be:
- Plays, music and dance performances, variety shows and pop/rock concerts: $10 per day
- Art exhibitions, play-readings, poetry recitals, puppet shows and tableaux: $5 per day.
The licence is valid only on the dates specified.
The minimum processing time for MDA is at least two months.
Please click here to proceed with an Arts Entertainment Licence application. Click here for the Submission Guide for Arts Entertainment.
5. National Environment Agency (NEA)
General Waste Collectors
NEA licenses general waste collectors (GWCs) in Singapore as well. GWCs primarily serve commercial and industrial premises.
Each class of GWC is licensed to handle a certain type of waste, as follows:
- Class A: Inorganic waste (construction debris, excavated earth, tree trunks, discarded furniture, appliances, wooden crates, pallets and other bulky items) and recyclables from residential property and other premises covered in section 10(1)(c) of the Environmental Public Health Act
- Class B: Organic waste (food and other putrefiable waste from domestic, trade and industrial premises, markets and food centres)
- Class C: Sludge and grease (sludge from water treatment plants, grease interceptors, water-seal latrines, sewage treatment plants, septic tanks and waste from sanitary conveniences in ships and aircraft)
The application, updating and renewal of General Waste Collector (GWC) licence can be done online.
Advisories on Overfilling & Overloading
The conditions for licence require GWCs to ensure that open-top containers (OTC) are not overfilled. Overloading can damage a vehicle’s chassis and affect its stability during steering and braking. This compromises the safety of both drivers and other road users. For more information, please click here.
Application for disposal Account & iWMS for GWCs
Application for Disposal Account and Application for Opening of Disposal Account
http://app2.nea.gov.sg/data/cmsresource/20090320649501907980.pdf
Application for Registration/De-registration of Vehicles for Refuse Collection
http://app2.nea.gov.sg/data/cmsresource/20100811901489233416.pdf
Please contact the following should you require clarification on:
GWC licensing matters – Mr Ho Rongjian at DID: 6708 6079 or email: ho_rongjian@nea.gov.sg.
Disposal Accounts and iWMS – Mr David Tang / Ms Teng Guat Hwa at DID: 67319310, fax: 67319731 or email: david_tang@nea.gov.sg / teng_guat_hwa@nea.gov.sg.
Members of the public may also submit their feedback or enquiries through the online feedback form available on the NEA website (www.nea.gov.sg/feedback).
Illegal Dumping
The illegal dumping of waste of any kind is a serious offence. It pollutes the environment and can be a hazard to public health. If members of the public observe illegal dumping taking place, they may submit their feedback through the online feedback form available on the NEA website (www.nea.gov.sg/feedback).
Touting
According to the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act (CHAPTER 184) Part V 32. Touting for Business states that;
Any person in any public road, public place, place of public resort or vehicle on a public road who, in connection with any trade or business (whether or not carried on by that person), solicits any other person persistently or in any manner as to cause or be likely to cause annoyance to that other person shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine of not less than $1,000 and not more than $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine of not less than $2,000 and not more than $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or to both.
For more information, please click here.
Rodent Control
Rodents have adapted well and thrive where food, water and shelter are easily accessible. They multiply quickly in poorly managed bin centres and refuse chutes. Rodents carry and transmit various diseases, and may also pose serious hygiene problem through its urine and faeces.
The key strategy in managing rodent infestation is to remove food sources and areas of harbourage. Maintaining proper housekeeping is also essential for eliminating areas where rodents can nest and breed.
All stakeholders, including land owners, building managements and food shop operators must therefore put in place a good system of housekeeping, refuse management and routine pest control checks and treatment.
You may refer to the sample rodent control programme contract specifications recommended for service buyers to incorporate into the pest control contract to ensure good rodent surveillance and control in the respective premises/area:
Eating Establishments | Full contract specifications |
Annexes A to E |
6. National Parks Board (NParks)
For submission of Animal and Birds/Parks and Greenery related feedback, please please access the NParks Feedback and Enquiry Form (https://www.nparks.gov.sg/feedback-and-enquiry)
7. Public Utility Board (PUB)
PUB takes care of the Singapore River and the surrounding installation such as bollards etc. The River is directed into the Marina Bay Reservoir thus results in the stringent regulations that PUB sets for activities on Singapore River.
Issues related to public utility, please contact the following; 24hr Call Centre (Local): 1800-CALL-PUB (1800 2255 782)
24hr Call Centre (International): +65-62255782
SMS: 70400
Email: pub_one@pub.gov.sg
8. Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF)
Fire Certificate
When is Fire Certificate Required;
Under the Fire Safety Act Section 20, the owner or occupier of any public buildings such as offices, hospitals, shopping complexes, industrial buildings and private residential buildings that fall within the following criteria is required to apply and obtain a Fire Certificate. Public building – has an occupant load of more than 200 persons
- Application For Fire Certificate (FC)
The Fire Certificate (FC) must be obtained within twelve months from the issue of the Temporary Fire Permit (TFP) / Fire Safety Certificate (FSC), whichever is first obtained. For new FC cases, you are required to submit the forms (labelled as “INFORMATION ON FIRE CERTIFICATE”) to SCDF. - For FC renewal cases, an application to SCDF shall be made at least two months before the expiry of the existing fire certificate.
- Validity of Fire Certificate (FC)
The fire certificate is valid for one year.
Revocation of Fire Certificate
The Commissioner of SCDF may revoke any Fire Certificate where there is:
- a breach of any term and condition of the certificate;
- any misrepresentation of a material fact in the application for the fire certificate or accompanying plans or documents upon the basis of which the certificate was issued or renewed; or
- knowledge that the fire hazards within the building or part thereof, for which the fire certificate was issued or renewed, have increased without adequate fire safety measures being taken to the satisfaction of the Commissioner.
Penalty
Under the Fire Safety (Building Fire Safety) Regulations 1994, any person who:
- without lawful excuse refuses or neglects to do anything which he / she is required to do;
- without lawful excuse fails to comply with the requirements of any notice served on him;
- without lawful excuse acts in contravention of or fails to comply with any provision; shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to both.
For more information, please click here.
Maintenance of Kitchen Exhaust Duct (KED) At Coffee shops and Eateries
KED fires have disrupted business operations and pose fire safety risk to stall holders, patrons and residents staying above the premises. The exhaust ducts (including the interior) and kitchen hoods of your premises must be cleaned and maintained at least once in every 12 months. The work shall be carried out by a specialist and the records of cleaning and degreasing are to be kept by the owner / operator for verification by relevant authority e.g. during the NEA’s yearly licensing inspection or check, it will verify for compliance. Failure to adhere to this fire safety requirement will constitute an offence under the Fire Safety Act.
For more information, please click here.
Portable Fire Extinguishers
Under the Singapore Standard, Code of Practice SS 578, Use and Maintenance of Portable Fire Extinguishers, the owner or occupant of a premise is responsible for the inspection and maintenance of the fire extinguishers installed in the premises. This is to ensure that the fire extinguishers are in good working order.
Portable fire extinguishers where required to be provided shall be constructed in conformity with specifications stipulated under SS EN 3 Specifications for Portable Fire Extinguishers. All portable fire extinguishers where required to be provided shall be charged, tested and maintained in fully operational conditions and properly tagged in conformity with requirements in SS 578 Code of Practice for Use and Maintenance of Portable Fire Extinguishers.
Classification of portable fire extinguishers provided shall be selected in accordance with criteria specified under SS 578 such that the nature of processes and contents within the building concerned can be effectively protected. The size, quantity and siting of these portable fire extinguishers shall comply with the requirements in SS 578 under the respective class of occupancy hazard.
Portable fire extinguishers provided shall be installed and conspicuously marked in accordance with requirements by SS 578.
For more information, please click here.
9. Singapore Land Authority (SLA)
Property Ownership
SLA’s Land Titles Registry handles the registration of all property transactions in Singapore, including:
- Landed properties, such as bungalows, terrace houses and semi-detached houses;
Flats, whether private or HDB; and - Commercial and industrial properties.
The land register shows who owns the land and whether there are encumbrances, such as mortgages or charges affecting the land.
Two land registers co-exist, namely:
- The Register of Deeds for Common Law land under the Registration of Deeds Act;
- The Land Titles Register for titles land under the Land Titles Act.
For more information, please click here.
Application for land
● Rental of State Properties
Vacant State properties not earmarked for immediate development are put up for rent in the interim period. These properties can be used for residential, commercial, industrial and institutional purposes. The rental of these properties is managed either by SLA or our managing agents.
SLA-managed properties, comprising mainly premises previously used for schools, community centres and camps, are generally available for rental through tender. Besides an open tender, SLA also conducts the Ideas Tender Scheme.
Agent-managed properties, mainly residential and commercial, can be rented directly from the agents.
The tenure for State properties varies. Some are rented out through tenancies where the tenure depends on the development time-frame for the properties, while others are rented out through Temporary Occupation Licenses (TOLs). TOLs either cover a fixed short term or are renewable on a monthly or yearly basis.
For more information, please click here.
● Short-term Rental of State Properties
SLA rents out vacant State lands and buildings through Temporary Occupation Licenses (TOLs) and Tenancy Agreements (TAs). TOLs are generally for a short fixed term or can be on a monthly or yearly renewable basis. TAs are for fixed terms, up to a maximum of three years per term.
TOLs and TAs can be issued for a range of uses such as worksites, site offices, mini fairs, trade expositions, carnivals, offices, schools, hospitals and places of worship amongst others.
For more information, please click here.
● Purchase of State Land
– Sale of Remnant Land
Some parcels of State land by virtue of their small size and/or irregular shape are not suitable for independent development. These parcels of State land are commonly referred to as remnant land.
Remnant land can add substantial value to adjoining private lands when amalgamated with the private lands. To optimise the use of these remnant lands, the Government encourages private landowners to purchase and amalgamate them with their private lands. The Government may in suitable cases also require developers/owners to do so.
For more information, please click here.
Trespassing of State Land
State Lands Encroachments Act (CHAPTER 315)
Penalties for trespassing
1) Any person who —
unlawfully enters into possession of any State land, either by residing or by erecting any building or hut thereon or by clearing, enclosing or cultivating any part thereof;
unlawfully trespasses on State land by depositing, placing or throwing any article or thing whatsoever, or any waste, refuse or other thing, thereon; or
Directly or indirectly abets the commission of such an act or trespass by another person, shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both, and a District Court or a Magistrate’s Court shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine all proceedings under this subsection and, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Criminal Procedure Code [Cap. 68], shall have the power to impose the full penalty or punishment provided by this subsection.
[23/74]
2) Any person who —
Unlawfully enters upon any State land and cuts timber or produce thereon; or
Directly or indirectly abets the commission of such an act by another person,
shall be liable for a first offence to a fine not exceeding $200, and, for a second or subsequent offence, to a fine not exceeding $500 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both, and a Magistrate’s Court shall have jurisdiction to hear and determine all proceedings under this subsection.
3) Where an offence under subsection (1) has been committed by a company or an association or body of persons, corporate or unincorporated, any person who at the time of the commission of the offence was a director, manager, partner, secretary or other officer thereof or was purporting to act in such capacity shall also be deemed to be guilty of such offence unless he proves that the offence was committed without his consent or connivance and that he exercised all such diligence to prevent the commission of the offence as he ought to have exercised having regard to the nature of his functions in that capacity and to all the circumstances.
For more information, please click here.
10. Singapore Police Force (SPF)
SPF has implemented Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act with effect from 1st April 2015 onwards. From 1 April 2015, consumption of liquor in public places will be restricted daily from 10.30 pm to 7.00 am. The following events are exempted from a Consumption Permit:
- Consumption of liquor during events organised by the government;
- Consumption of liquor during events organised by Statutory Boards for a public purpose; and
Consumption of liquor by persons attending a barbeque in the immediate vicinity of a barbeque pit in a national park for which a Permit has been granted under the Parks and Trees Act (Cap. 216).
Liquor License
Under the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) Act, you will need to apply for a liquor licence from Police Licensing & Regulatory Department if your company/business/society intends to supply any liquor for sale, barter or exchange.
Under Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) (Liquor Licensing) Regulations:
- Supply is by retail if the supply is for less than 30 litres of liquor (whether of a single type or a combination of 2 or more types); and
- Supply is by wholesale if the supply is to a liquor licensee of any quantity of liquor(whether of a single type or a combination of 2 or more types) or to any person for 30 litres or more of liquor (whether of a single type or a combination of 2 or more types)
SPF has restricted the issuance of the Cat 1 licence since April 2015 with the new Liquor Control Act. There will no longer be new Cat 1 licence which allows consumption till 3am with the new Act in place. The new categories of liquor licences are as below:
- Class 1A for the supply of liquor for consumption at the licensed premises stated in the liquor licence, which licence specifies any trading hours from 0600hrs to immediately before midnight.
- Class 1B for the supply of liquor for consumption at the licensed premises stated in the liquor licence, which licence specifies any trading hours from 0600hrs to 2200hrs.
- Class 2A for the supply of beer only for consumption at the licensed premises stated in the liquor licence, which licence specifies any trading hours from 0600 to immediately before midnight.
- Class 2B for the supply of beer only for consumption at licensed premises, trading hours as indicated on licence.
- Class 3A for the supply by retail of liquor for consumption at premises other than the licensed premises stated in the liquor licence, which licence specifies any trading hours from 0700hrs to 2230hrs.
- Class 3B licence for the supply by retail of beer for consumption at premises other than the licensed premises stated in the liquor licence, which licence specifies any trading hours from 0700hrs to immediately before 2230hrs.
- Class 4 licence for supply by wholesale of liquor for consumption at premises other than the licensed premises stated in the liquor licence, which licence specifies any trading hours from 0700hrs to immediately before 2230hrs.
- Class 5 licence for a temporary licence where licence is required for a short period of time, such as once-off events and exhibitions. Class 5 licence can be applied for a specified time period of not more than 30 consecutive days.
SUPPLY OF LIQUOR FOR CONSUMPTION ON THE PREMISE | ||
Type of Licence | Operating Hours | Fee (1 year) |
Class 1A | 0600 to 2359 hours | $880 |
Class 1B | 0600 to 2200 hours | $660 |
Class 2A | 0600 to 2359 hours | $460 |
Class 2B | As indicated in licence | $285 |
SUPPLY OF LIQUOR FOR CONSUMPTION OFF THE PREMISES | ||
Type of Licence | Operating Hours | Fee (1 year) |
Class 3A | 0700 to 2230 hours | $110 |
Class 3B | 0700 to 2230 hours | $110 |
Class 4 | 0700 to 2230 hours | $110 |
For more information, please click here.
Touting
According to the Miscellaneous Offences (Public Order and Nuisance) Act (CHAPTER 184) Part V 32. Touting for Business states that;
Any person in any public road, public place, place of public resort or vehicle on a public road who, in connection with any trade or business (whether or not carried on by that person), solicits any other person persistently or in any manner as to cause or be likely to cause annoyance to that other person shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine of not less than $1,000 and not more than $5,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to both and, in the case of a second or subsequent conviction, to a fine of not less than $2,000 and not more than $10,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year or to both.
For more information, please click here.
EXTENSION OF POLICY CHANGES FOR PERMISSION FOR NEW PUBS, BARS AND NIGHTCLUBS AND LIQUOR LICENCING HOURS AT BOAT QUAY HISTORIC DISTRICT AND UPPER CIRCULAR CONSERVATION AREA (SINGAPORE RIVER PLANNING AREA)
In Dec 2009, the Singapore Police Force (SPF), Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) introduced policies to manage unruly and undesirable behaviour in the Boat Quay and Upper Circular Road Conservation Areas (see location plan in Annex 1). They included:
- Limiting the liquor licensing hours to 3am (the following day) on Sundays and weekdays and to 4am (the following day) on Saturdays and Eve of Public Holidays. The affected outlets can still operate 24 hours a day but may not supply any liquor beyond the permitted licensing hours; and
- Limiting new permits for pubs and nightclubs. Existing pubs and nightclubs can continue to operate, and agencies will consider the renewal of permits if the pubs or nightclubs have a good track-record in managing its liquor servicing hours and customers’ behaviour.
The policies aim to ensure that the two areas remain attractive to visitors. As a result of their introduction, in conjunction with continuous enforcement efforts by the agencies, the number of undesirable incidents arising from excessive drinking in these areas has reduced.
To continue to manage the situation within the Boat Quay and Upper Circular Conservation Areas, the agencies have decided to retain the two policies, limiting new permits for pubs and nightclubs and restricting the liquor licensing hours for another year, from 1 Dec 2016 to 30 Nov 2017. They will review the policies periodically to ensure they remain relevant.
11. Singapore Tourism Board (STB)
Business Improvement Fund
The Business Improvement Fund (BIF) aims to encourage technology innovation and adoption, redesign of business model and processes in the tourism sector to improve productivity and competitiveness. The BIF is open to all Singapore-registered businesses/companies embarking on projects with a clear tourism focus.
These companies are:
- Tourism companies taking on capability development initiatives
- Technology companies that create innovative technology products and services for tourism businesses.
For more information, please click here.
Kickstart Fund
The Kickstart Fund supports the creation and test-bedding of innovative lifestyle concepts and events with strong tourism potential and scalability. This is with the aim of adding to the existing quality tourism software and enhancing the vibrancy of Singapore as a tourist destination in areas such as the arts, entertainment, dining, sports and retail.
The Kickstart Fund is open to all legal entities, including businesses, companies, and associations. Qualifying projects include live consumer experiences and concepts broadly across the lifestyle sectors of arts, entertainment, sports, retail and dining. Examples include live events, single and multiple editions of pop-ups (up to a maximum duration of one year or four editions), and services (eg. an art walk/tour, culinary tour).
For more information, please click here.
12. Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA)
LicenceOne: For enquiries and submissions, please call LicenceOne helpdesk at +65 6774 1430 or you may email them at licences-helpdesk@crimsonlogic.com
Application for Change of Use
If you want to change the use of a property (e.g. from a shop to a restaurant, or from a restaurant to a pub), you may need to apply for planning permission for Change of Use from URA. Before signing a tenancy or purchase agreement of the property, you should check if your intended use for that property can be allowed, and obtain Change of Use Approval if it is required.
Conservation
Singapore River Precinct is dominated by a significant amount of shop houses. URA has also designated Boat Quay for conservation. For conservation areas, any change of use, revamps, restoration etc. will have to be approved by URA conservation unit.
More information on approvals can be found here.
Boat Quay ORA Requirements
- Business Operators in Boat Quay waterfront
- A member of Singapore River One
If you are interested in the ORAs, please download and submit the forms to
team@singapore-river.com
For all enquries about Boat Quay Outdoor Refreshment Areas, please contact
team@singapore-river.com
Boat Quay Membership Package
As the Master Licensee of Boat Quay ORAs, SRO provides ORA-related maintenance services, and market Boat Quay collectively as the prime waterfront destination. A Placemaking fee will be applicable for the ORA rental and this fee is a compulsory payment.
Our services include and are not limited to:
S/No. | Service |
1. | Maintaining and repairing the ORA structures at such intervals and in such manner as the Licensor considers appropriate |
2. | Maintaining and repairing the furniture located in, and the infrastructure of, the open public areas along the Boat Quay promenade at such intervals and in such manner as the Licensor considers appropriate |
3. | Providing or procuring the provision of the following:
|
4. | Providing the following membership benefits:
|
*Please contact us for more information.
Boat Quay Services
Insurance Policy
All business operators whom are interested in the ORAs or are users of it will have to submit an Industrial All Risk Insurance to SRO.
SRO has also communicated with insurance agency KWG to bring all Boat Quay stakeholders a rate of $500 per annum.
Do contact kelvin@kwginsurance.com or team@singapore-river.com for more information. for more information.
Pest Control
SRO has engaged a pest control services for the ORAs along Boat Quay. If you do require pest control services do contact team@singapore-river.com for more information.
Our Partners
Upgrading to Piped Gas:
SRO has taken further efforts as the place manager to enhance the costs minimization of new or current business operators along Singapore River. In collaboration with City Energy, SRO’s stakeholders are offered a safer and more reliable source of gas. City Energy provides free conversion for interested stakeholders who are not yet on piped gas. This way, the shophouse backlanes will be freed up for a safer and neater environment for all. For more information, please contact team@singapore-river.com.