Six coffee shops in Singapore had their licenses suspended for one day on February 21, 2025, due to toilet cleanliness issues. The Singapore Food Agency (SFA) took action against these establishments after each accumulated 12 demerit points within a 12-month period.
The affected coffee shops are located across Singapore in Toa Payoh, Balestier, Punggol, Geylang, and Little India. Three establishments – Teck Wah, 7 Stars, and 27A Coffee Shop – received S$1,300 fines each for failing to keep toilets clean and properly maintained.
Teck Seng and Al Mubin Restaurant were fined S$1,100 each for not maintaining sanitary fittings and toilet cleanliness. 1002 Food Court received a S$1,200 fine for failing to provide toilet paper and soap, as well as cleanliness issues.
Since April 2020, SFA and the National Environment Agency (NEA) have implemented tougher penalties for toilet cleanliness violations. Under the Environmental Public Health Act, first-time offenders face maximum fines between S$1,000 and S$5,000.
From January 1 to November 15, 2024, authorities took approximately 900 enforcement actions against coffee shop owners for various toilet-related offenses.
Siti Suriani Abdul Majid, Senior Director of the Joint Operations Division at SFA, stated in January 2025 that establishments collecting 12 or more demerit points within 12 months may face license suspensions lasting one to three days.
SFA emphasized it “takes a serious view of these offenses” and reminded food business operators to maintain good hygiene practices and properly maintain their premises, including toilets.
The agency encourages the public to report poor food safety practices through SFA’s online feedback form or by calling 6805 2871. Siti also urged the public to use public toilets responsibly by cleaning toilet seats, flushing properly, keeping floors dry, and disposing of litter correctly.
