AHPETC found guilty of organising CNY fair without permit
The Aljunied-Hougang-Punggol East Town Council (AHPETC) has been found guilty of breaking the law for holding a Chinese New Year event without a permit in January, a district court ruled on Friday.
The town council faces up to a $1,000 fine under the Environmental Public Health Act (EPHA). Sentencing will be passed on December 24.
In January this year, the AHPETC under the Workers' Party held a fair which featured five stalls selling festive snacks, flowers and plants, and decorations as part of its Lunar New Year Flora and Community Fair at Hougang Central Hub.
The National Environment Agency declined its permit because its application form was incomplete.
The AHPETC argued that the fair was a community event and a “mini-fair” that did not need a permit but the district judge disagreed, arguing that the fair took almost the space of three tennis courts. He also noted that the council, at no time, raise any doubts to the NEA over whether a permit was required.
The Workers’ Party expressed disappointment with the verdict and said it would consult its lawyers on legal options.
