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SINGAPORE: E-commerce platforms must put in place measures such as verifying the age of buyers to ensure that liquor is not sold to people under 18 years old, as part of new requirements announced by Singapore authorities on Saturday (Nov 18).
The legal drinking age in Singapore is 18.
Any person or business selling alcohol is already required to obtain a licence to do so.
But the updated requirements, which will take effect from Jan 2, 2024, make clear that online suppliers and e-commerce platforms such as Lazada, Shopee and Carousell must take steps to ensure liquor is not sold to underage buyers.
The requirements also apply to the sale of liquor through telecommunication services. CNA understands that these include the likes of WhatsApp and Telegram.
The police said the measures include requiring the buyer to confirm and declare that he is 18 years or older, warning the buyer that it is an offence to buy liquor if he is below the legal drinking age and informing them of the penalties.
“With effect from Jan 2, 2024, the supply of liquor to persons under 18 years old online or through telecommunication services will be an offence under the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) (Liquor Licensing) Regulations 2015,” the police said in a media release.
Offenders may be fined up to S$10,000.
The Singapore Police Force said the move comes after a review of the regulatory requirements for the supply of liquor online or through telecommunication services.
“This move ensures parity with liquor licensees who operate brick-and-mortar stores, and will help to curb underage drinking,” it added in the media release.
The police also announced that as part of the review, licensees will no longer be required to keep or store the liquor at their licensed premises from Jan 2, 2024.
However, the sale of liquor from such premises used for storage is prohibited.
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