Right-siting of Adult Novelty Shops

Ms Tin Pei Ling asked the Minister for National Development if URA will consider imposing a minimum distance criterion to ensure that adult novelty shops and shops selling morally objectionable material are away from schools and densely-populated residential areas.

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Mr Khaw Boon Wan: There are a small number of adult novelty shops in Singapore, largely located in the city centre.

Existing provisions under the Penal Code prohibit these shops from displaying or selling obscene items to young persons. If they are found to have contravened these laws, or if there are complaints from the community, action will be taken by the appropriate authorities, including the Police and Urban Redevelopment Authority.

We will monitor the situation and review with relevant agencies if more needs to be done in this area.