Blu Jaz Cafe to continue with live acts while awaiting appeals board decision
Music fans in Singapore can breath a sigh of relief as Blu Jaz Cafe will continue to host live gigs – for now, at least.
In a statement on Monday (22 October), a spokesman for the popular bar and live music venue said it was informed late on Sunday night that the cancellation of its Public Entertainment License (PEL) would not be taking effect on 22 October “or any specified date”.
The temporary reprieve will last until the Public Entertainment Appeal Board (PEAB) makes its final decision on the status of the venue’s PEL.
Meeting regulatory requirements
It was reported earlier this month that the three-storey nightspot on Bali Lane would have its Public Entertainment License terminated with effect from Monday for failing to comply with licensing conditions.
A police statement on Friday also stated that Blu Jaz Cafe had accumulated 24 demerit points in a 24-month period, noting that its two most recent breaches were for “severe overcrowding”.
“We do acknowledge that overcrowding and noise issues must be managed, and take responsibility (for) our oversight,” said the Blu Jaz Cafe spokesman, who added that steps would be taken to ensure that the venue meets regulatory requirements.
The measures – to be taken “as soon as possible” – include the installation of soundproof doors and windows, along with exploring the possibility of adding an additional external staircase to the building.
Last-minute reprieve
Blu Jaz Cafe’s spokesman said that the “very positive news” had been revealed just before midnight on Sunday to the audience at its “Blue Monks Sunday Jam… Hope It’s Not The Last Jam” event.
“We are very thankful for all the strong support from our music friends and family, the petitioners, and all those who worked around the clock to save us from extinction,” said the spokesman, referring to the ongoing petition that had been started on 14 October to save the nightspot.
“We truly hope that PEAB will eventually grant us the license to keep the music going at Blu Jaz Cafe,” the spokesman added.
Related stories:
Blu Jaz Cafe loses public entertainment licence, can no longer hold live gigs from 22 Oct
Blu Jaz Cafe ‘very irresponsible’ for repeatedly flouting licensing rules: police
