Drinking in Singapore: Your Guide to a Stress-Free Night Out

Singapore is celebrated worldwide for being an incredibly safe, clean, and well-organized city. Part of this harmony comes from a few unique local laws that visitors should be aware of. While most are common sense, the rules surrounding when and where you can enjoy an alcoholic drink are specific and good to know before you head out for the evening.

Now, let’s set the scene: You’ve spent a fantastic day exploring the city and have found the perfect rooftop bar with a stunning view. As you’re about to order a well-deserved cocktail, you might start to wonder, “What were those rules again? Am I doing this right?” That small moment of uncertainty is the last thing you need when you’re trying to relax and enjoy your vacation.

You can put that worry aside. We are here to make it simple for you. This guide is designed to give you the confidence to enjoy Singapore’s amazing drink scene. We’ll cover everything about the alcohol laws, which are just one part of our complete guide to Singapore laws for tourists that will ensure your entire trip is smooth sailing. Our goal is to get the legal stuff out of the way so you can get back to what truly matters: savoring that perfect drink with complete peace of mind.

Where to Drink After 10:30 PM

You can continue drinking past 10:30 PM inside any licensed venue, such as a bar, restaurant, or nightclub, as well as in the privacy of your hotel room. The 10:30 PM restriction applies only to drinking in public spaces and purchasing takeaway alcohol from stores.

That rule only applies to drinking in public places and buying takeaway alcohol from stores. You are more than welcome to continue enjoying yourself in any licensed establishment. This is where Singapore’s fantastic nightlife truly shines, offering plenty of comfortable and stylish options.

Here are our recommendations for a perfect late-night drink:

• Sophisticated Rooftop Bars: There is nothing quite like sipping a well-made cocktail while taking in the stunning Singapore skyline. A rooftop bar offers a premium experience, combining great drinks with breathtaking views and a vibrant atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to celebrate a successful trip.
• Elegant Hotel Lounges: For ultimate comfort and convenience, look no further than your own hotel’s lounge or a nearby hotel bar. They provide a refined, quiet setting ideal for a relaxed nightcap without the need to travel. It’s an effortless and sophisticated end to any evening.
• Chic Speakeasies & Cocktail Bars: If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, we highly recommend exploring one of Singapore’s hidden speakeasies or world-class cocktail bars. Tucked away in vibrant neighborhoods like Keong Saik Road, Amoy Street, or Haji Lane, these intimate venues offer creative drinks and a memorable, exclusive experience.
• The Comfort of Your Hotel Room: Sometimes, the most luxurious option is your own private space. Enjoying a bottle of wine you purchased earlier while unwinding in your hotel room is a perfectly acceptable and wonderfully relaxing way to end your day on your own terms.

Insider Tips for a Perfect Night Out

To make your experience completely seamless, here are a few extra tips from a local:

• Look Out for Happy Hours: Many bars and restaurants in Singapore, especially in business districts and popular entertainment areas, offer “Happy Hour” promotions. These usually run on weekdays from late afternoon to early evening (e.g., 5 PM to 8 PM). Look out for deals like one-for-one drinks or significantly discounted prices on beer, wine, and cocktails. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a high-quality drink at a more comfortable price before dinner.
• Be Mindful of Dress Codes: To ensure a smooth entry into Singapore’s more upscale bars and lounges, it’s wise to be aware of dress codes. Most establishments operate a ‘smart casual‘ policy, especially in the evening. For gentlemen, this typically means closed-toe shoes and long trousers. It’s best to avoid shorts, singlets (tank tops), and flip-flops to prevent any inconvenience at the door.
• Make Reservations to Avoid Disappointment: If you have your heart set on a popular spot, especially on a weekend, I highly recommend making a reservation in advance. A quick online booking can be the difference between walking straight to your table and waiting in a long queue, ensuring your evening remains relaxed from the start.
• Relax when the Bill Arrives: Tipping culture in Singapore is straightforward. Your bill will almost always include a 10% service charge and the prevailing 9% Goods and Services Tax (GST). Due to this, additional tipping is neither required nor expected, making the payment process straightforward and transparent.

A Traveler’s Guide to Buying Alcohol

If you plan on enjoying a drink in your hotel room, a little planning goes a long way. Here’s a simple guide to buying alcohol in Singapore.

First, the golden rule: remember the 10:30 PM retail curfew. All supermarkets and convenience stores must stop selling takeaway alcohol at this time, so be sure to make your purchases earlier in the day.

Here’s where to shop:

• For Convenience: You’ll find convenience stores like 7-Eleven and Cheers on almost every corner. They are perfect for grabbing a cold beer or a simple pre-mixed drink during the day.
• For a Good Selection: For a much better selection of wine, spirits, and craft beer, we recommend heading to a supermarket. Look for Cold Storage or FairPrice Finest, which are often located in shopping malls and cater to a wider taste.
• For the Connoisseur: If you’re looking for a special bottle of wine or a specific craft spirit, visit a dedicated liquor store. Chains like Wine Connection or 1855 The Bottle Shop have knowledgeable staff and an extensive, premium selection.

A final friendly tip on price: you will likely notice that alcohol in Singapore is more heavily taxed than you might be used to at home. Being aware of this beforehand will ensure there are no surprises, keeping your trip smooth and stress-free.

The Ultimate Comfort Hack: Alcohol Delivery If you are too tired to head out, you can have alcohol delivered directly to your hotel lobby using local apps like GrabFood, Foodpanda, or Deliveroo. This is a perfect option if you want to enjoy a quiet glass of wine in your robe without leaving the hotel. Just remember to place your order well before 10:30 PM to ensure the driver can pick it up in time.

Public Drinking and Liquor Control Zones Explained

Now that you know how to enjoy a great night out, let’s cover the most important rule in more detail. This will ensure you stay worry-free.

Across all of Singapore, it is prohibited to consume alcohol in any public place between 10:30 PM and 7:00 AM.

A “public place” is anywhere the public has free access to. For a traveler, this typically means places like parks (e.g., East Coast Park), beaches (e.g., Sentosa), the void decks (open ground floors) of HDB apartment blocks, and even just walking along the street. It’s always safest to finish your drink inside a licensed venue or in your hotel room.

• Liquor Control Zones (LCZs): You should also be aware of two designated areas, Geylang and Little India, which have stricter rules on weekends and public holidays. These neighborhoods are vibrant, safe, and culturally rich places to visit for dinner, but stores here must stop selling takeaway alcohol earlier (from 7:00 PM onwards) to maintain a peaceful environment.
• The Penalty: To ensure your trip is stress-free, it’s best to follow the rules. But for your information, first-time offenders caught drinking in public during restricted hours can face a fine of up to SGD$1,000.

Drink-Driving: The One Rule You Can’t Bend

Singapore enforces a strict legal limit of 80mg per 100ml of blood, but for a stress-free trip, the only safe amount to drink before driving is zero. Penalties are severe and can include immediate arrest, court charges, and jail time, so we strongly recommend using the city’s abundant ride-hailing options. When it comes to drink-driving, Singapore’s stance is extremely strict, and the best advice is the simplest: never drink and drive.

With a world-class public transport system and readily available, affordable ride-hailing services like Grab, Gojek, or Zig, there is never a need to risk it. Planning for a safe ride home is the most important part of a stress-free night out.

For your awareness, here are the legal specifics:

• The Legal Limit: The limit is 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. However, individual tolerance varies greatly, so the only safe amount to drink before driving is zero.
• The Penalties: The consequences are severe. A first-time offender can face fines up to S$10,000, imprisonment for up to a year, and a guaranteed driving license suspension of at least two years. The penalties for repeat offenders are significantly harsher.

Beyond the Bottle: Key Rules on Public Behaviour

To ensure your trip is memorable for all the right reasons, it helps to be aware of how Singapore views public conduct. Knowing these few rules is the final piece of the puzzle for a truly worry-free experience.

• Public Nuisance: Being drunk and disorderly in public is an offense. This includes behaviour that causes annoyance to others, like being excessively loud or disruptive. A calm and respectful demeanor is always appreciated.
• Fighting (Affray): Getting into a physical fight in a public place is a serious offense, regardless of who started it. It’s always best to walk away from any heated situation.
• Outrage of Modesty: This is treated with extreme seriousness in Singapore and refers to any unwanted physical contact that is sexual in nature. It is crucial to be respectful of personal boundaries at all times.

While knowing these specific rules helps you navigate the nightlife, there are a few other local customs—like those for smoking or littering—that are just as important for a hassle-free holiday. For a complete overview of what to expect during your stay, we suggest reading our main guide to Singapore Law for Tourists next.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the legal drinking age in Singapore?

The legal drinking age in Singapore is 18 years old.
This applies to both purchasing alcohol from stores and consuming it in licensed places like bars, clubs, and restaurants. It’s common for staff to ask for photo identification (like a passport or driver’s license) to verify your age, so it’s always a good idea to have it with you to ensure a smooth, hassle-free experience.

Are there taxes or duty-free allowances for alcohol in Singapore?

As a tourist, you are entitled to a duty-free allowance, but there are two strict conditions you must meet to avoid a fine:

• You must have been away from Singapore for at least 48 hours.
• You must NOT be arriving from Malaysia.

The specific allowance options and rules can change. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it is always best to check the official Singapore Customs website before you travel to avoid any issues.

Can I drink alcohol in a private vehicle, like a taxi or a Grab car?

No, you should not. Consuming alcohol is not permitted on public transport, and this courtesy extends to private-hire vehicles like taxis and Grab cars. It’s best to wait until you have arrived at your destination, such as your hotel or a licensed restaurant.

What if I buy a bottle of wine at 10 PM but only start drinking it in a park at 11 PM?

This would be a violation of the law. The restriction is on the consumption of alcohol in a public place between 10:30 PM and 7:00 AM, regardless of when the alcohol was purchased. It’s always safest to enjoy your drink within a licensed establishment or in a private residence during these hours.

Are there any exceptions to the 10:30 PM public drinking rule, like for special events?

Yes, but they are rare and require a specific permit. For certain large-scale events, organizers can apply for a special license to extend alcohol consumption hours within a designated event area. However, for a regular tourist, you should always assume the 10:30 PM rule is in effect unless officially stated otherwise at a specific event.

I’m not driving. Is it okay to be drunk in public as long as I’m peaceful?

While it’s not illegal to be intoxicated, it is an offense to be drunk and incapable of taking care of yourself in a public place, or to cause any annoyance to others. The best advice is to always drink responsibly and be mindful of your surroundings to ensure your night remains pleasant and hassle-free.

Can I drink at my table outside a restaurant or bar after 10:30 PM?

Yes, absolutely. The outdoor seating area of a licensed establishment (like a restaurant, pub, or bar) is considered part of their private premises, not a public place. You can continue to be served and enjoy your drinks at your table well past 10:30 PM, according to the venue’s own operating hours.

What about drinking at my hotel’s swimming pool or on my room’s balcony?

Your hotel room and its private balcony are considered your own private space, so you are free to drink there at any time. However, common areas like the hotel swimming pool or lobby lounge are generally considered “publicly accessible areas.” Most hotels will enforce the no-alcohol consumption rule in these areas after 10:30 PM to comply with the law. When in doubt, it’s always best to ask the hotel staff.

Can I bring my own bottle of wine to a restaurant in Singapore (BYO)?

“Bring Your Own” (BYO) is not a widespread practice in Singapore, but some restaurants do allow it, particularly fine-dining establishments. They will almost always charge a “corkage fee,” which can be quite high. You should always call the restaurant well in advance to ask if they permit BYO and to confirm their corkage fee.

I am returning from a short trip (e.g., one day in Malaysia). Can I buy duty-free alcohol?

This is a very important rule that catches many travelers by surprise. To be eligible for your duty-free alcohol allowance, you must have been outside of Singapore for 48 hours or more. If your trip was shorter than 48 hours, you are not entitled to the duty-free concession and will have to pay full taxes on any alcohol you bring in.

Can I buy and drink a beer at a hawker centre?

Yes, and it’s a great local experience! Many hawker centres have a specific stall licensed to sell beer (you’ll usually see large logos for brands like Tiger or Heineken). You can buy beer from them and consume it at your table within the hawker centre. However, remember that a hawker centre is a public place, so you must adhere to the 10:30 PM cutoff for both purchasing and finishing your drink.