Why are most coffee shops not allowing groups of five to dine?

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Most Coffee Shops Are Not Allowing Groups of Five to Dine Due to Operational and Manpower Challenges

The majority of coffee shops and canteens in Singapore are not yet permitting groups of five vaccinated individuals to dine together, despite the easing of restrictions since November 23 last year. While nearly all 110 hawker centres managed by the National Environment Agency (NEA) or its appointed operators have implemented measures to accommodate groups of five, only approximately 5 per cent of the 2,200 privately operated coffee shops and canteens have done so. This disparity is largely attributed to practical difficulties faced by these private establishments in controlling patron entry and exit, verifying vaccination statuses, and the associated manpower costs.
Insufficient Manpower for Vaccination Checks and Access Control

A significant hurdle for many coffee shops is the lack of sufficient manpower to effectively implement and monitor the required infection control measures. Supervisors at establishments like the coffee shop in Fernvale have cited that during peak hours, their existing staff are already occupied with tasks such as clearing trays, making it difficult to dedicate personnel to checking vaccination statuses and managing patron flow. This challenge is exacerbated by the fact that some coffee shops operate in large premises, further complicating comprehensive monitoring.
High Manpower Costs for Additional Staff

The financial implications of hiring additional staff to manage access and conduct vaccination checks are a major deterrent for many coffee shop operators. At 94 Eating House in Yishun, for instance, management estimated that employing two extra workers solely for managing entry and exit points would incur daily costs ranging from S$300 to S$400. This significant operational expense makes it economically unfeasible for some businesses to adopt the five-person dining rule, leading them to maintain the stricter two-person limit.
Layout and Accessibility Issues

The physical layout of certain coffee shops presents additional challenges in implementing the necessary controls. Some establishments, like the one at Yishun Avenue 4 situated at the void deck of a public housing block, find it difficult to cordon off access points without inconveniencing pedestrians and elderly patrons. These spatial constraints make it impractical to create a controlled environment for verifying vaccination status and managing entry and exit, contributing to the decision to continue with smaller dining groups.
Impact on Business and Operational Decisions

The current dining restrictions have had a noticeable impact on coffee shop businesses, with some experiencing a reduction in foot traffic and an increase in takeaway orders. For some operators, like those at Aisa Restaurant in Teban Gardens, the issue is compounded by difficulties in rehiring staff who returned to their home countries due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These combined factors influence the decision to maintain the two-person dining rule as a pragmatic approach to managing current operational realities.

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Why are most coffee shops not allowing groups of five to dine?

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