Singapore Cocktail Bar Association Launches Two New Funds to Support The Bar Industry

The two funds raised will be used to help member bars with a month’s worth of rental fees and marketing services

Now that we’re in Phase 3 of Singapore's safe re-opening, we’re quite fortunate to have some semblance of normality in our lives and are able to venture out to help our vibrant cocktail industry survive. But the sad reality is that these local bars continue to feel the effects of the on-going pandemic, especially with the Covid-19 measures still in place.

That’s why it’s heartening to know that the Singapore Cocktail Bar Association (SCBA) has launched two new funds to ease the burden of its close to 60 member bars. The funds are supported by corporate members as well as Enterprise Singapore’s (ESG) “SG Together Enhancing Enterprise Resilience (STEER)” programme.

In Singapore, high rental continues to be a problem for bar owners. SCBA has raised S$75,000 ($50,000 from corporate sponsors and $25,000 from STEER) to be used for rental relief. While all member bars can apply for the grant, provided their revenue in phase two was negatively affected by a minimum of 35 per cent, priority will be given to those independently owned and have been operating for less than a year. Those who are successful will receive a month’s worth of rental money, not exceeding $20,000. Application for the rental relief fund is open from now until April 30, 2021.

Above SCBA Committee Members - (L to R) Colin Chia, Nutmeg & Clove; David Nguyen, Park Hotel Group; Charmaine Thio, Hendrick's Gin

Above SCBA Committee Members - (L to R) Bai Jiawei; Jess Hutch Hutchinson, No Sleep Club; Jesse Vida, Atlas

The second fund of $67, 500 ($45,000 from corporate sponsors and $22,500 from STEER) is dedicated to supporting the bars’ marketing efforts, including photography, videography, digital marketing, public relations, graphics design. All bar members qualify to receive $1000 to be used for such purposes rendered from December 1, 2020. Application for the said fund is open from now until January 31, 2020.

Meanwhile, the existing SCBA-SBF Foundation Compassion Fund launched last August will remain open until further notice. It aims to help any bar staff—whether they’re local, permanent residents or work pass holders—who have lost their jobs, suffered salary deductions or are transitioning between jobs with $500 per individual. Individuals can apply for the grant until December 31.

These funds serve as the first step to ensure the survival of the industry. Says Gan Guoyi, President and Founding Board Member of SCBA: “Together with our corporate sponsors and supporting government agencies, we are committed to providing the assistance necessary to help our member bars get through this.”

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Tatler Asia

Singapore Cocktail Bar Association Launches Two New Funds to Support The Bar Industry