Bukit Timah Shopping Centre bar denies vice and vaping allegations, nearby shops unfazed
A bar at Bukit Timah Shopping Centre has denied allegations that it is involved in vice activities and illegal vaping, calling them part of a smear campaign.
This comes after a Stomper previously wrote to multiple government agencies, claiming that massage parlours, pubs and beauty salons at Bukit Timah Shopping Centre and nearby Beauty World Centre were fronts for vice.
Stomper AW had also alleged that performing artistes at a basement pub in the mall were providing sexual services.
"It has become very unsettling not only for residents here but also for the women in the building who regularly send their children for tuition and other religious activities," said the Stomper.
Shin Min Daily News reported that when reporters visited the bar, an employee who identified himself as Jack said the establishment had only been open for three months and was not involved in any illegal activities.
He said: "Our bar is fully covered by CCTV. If anything illegal was happening, it would be very easy to detect."
Jack added that the bar was aware of the allegations circulating online but stressed that police had not conducted any investigations so far.
He also noted that signs prohibiting vaping were displayed inside the bar and staff would ask offenders to leave immediately.
He claimed that CCTV footage had confirmed the identity of the complainant, though he was unsure why the person made the accusations, as she was not a regular customer and had no prior disputes with the bar.
Other businesses at Bukit Timah Shopping Centre told Shin Min that they were not worried about the allegations affecting them.
Madam Li, 50, who runs a salon there, said acknowledged that there were some massage parlours offering illicit services several years ago but said such incidents had greatly decreased, with police patrols now a common sight.
"I rarely head downstairs, but none of my customers have ever complained," she said. "So even with such reports, I don't think it will affect my business."
Another beauty salon owner said she served only female customers and was unconcerned: "Clean hands fear no accusations. I believe my customers understand that."
