Multi-Agency Effort To Enforce Proper Use Of Outdoor Display Areas

Source : The Straits Times, Oct 11, 2007

THE HDB, Singapore Civil Defence Force, National Environment Agency and Town Councils will step up enforcement to ensure the appropriate use of outdoor display area (ODA) by HDB shop retailers.
They have drawn up a set of guidelines on the use of ODA, a joint release by the agencies said on Thursday.

The guidelines state that retailers have to maintain a minimum 1.5m-wide clear passageway from the front of the shop to the ODA, and a minimum 1m-wide open path between goods.

The guidelines also state that row of goods should not exceed 3m in length, and they should not be placed within 3m of exit staircases to allow sufficient passageway for the residents so that fire escape routes are not obstructed.

Goods, shelves and racks should be kept in the shop after operating hours, and goods should not cover the drains at the shop front so that they can be cleaned.

Enclosure of the ODA, including drop-down screens/blinds, is not allowed. Retailers are not allowed to sublet the ODA to third parties and they are not allowed to extend the ODA during festive periods.

The Town Councils will conduct regular checks to ensure that retailers follow the guidelines. The HDB, SCDF and NEA will also conduct joint inspections to complement the checks by Town Councils.

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Multi-Agency Effort To Enforce Proper Use Of Outdoor Display Areas

Retailers who fail to comply with the guidelines may be fined up to $5,000 under the Town Councils Act.

The clampdown on ODA misuse came after some HDB shop retailers sublet the spaces illegally or displayed their wares beyond permitted limits.

'Such irresponsible acts pose a danger to residents as they block the access routes in times of fire or other emergencies. The placing of bulky items across covered drains may also obstruct their cleaning and lead to mosquito breeding,' the multi-agency statement said.

Following the recent shophouse fire at Hougang Ave 8 which led to the loss of two innocent lives, the HDB, Town Councils and SCDF have received complaints and feedback from HDB residents and members of the public concerning the obstruction of common property in HDB estates, the statement said.