Singapore haze cuts trade at outdoor restaurants and earnings for buskers

Singapore’s haze is disrupting outdoor dining and street performances, with some restaurants reporting sales declines of up to 70 per cent and buskers describing smaller crowds and lower earnings, CNA reported on 19 October. The National Environment Agency (NEA) recorded unhealthy air quality the previous evening, adding context to accounts from businesses and performers who depend on people spending time outdoors.

Outdoor restaurants report fewer customers

At Chimi’s Especial on Collyer Quay, 80 per cent of seats are outdoors. CNA found just one table occupied during a visit on Friday, 16 October. Aaghir Yadav, general manager of the restaurant’s operator, Chimichanga, told CNA business was down 70 per cent during what is usually a busy October and November season. The restaurant has scaled back events and promotions, including a planned pet-friendly Day of the Dead celebration. Some employees have also taken medical leave amid the haze, putting pressure on the remaining staff, CNA reported.

Businesses CNA interviewed also cited the end of the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix weekend on 11 October as a factor in falling foot traffic. Their figures describe individual operations; the relative contribution of haze and the post-race decline has not been quantified.

Buskers shorten sets as outdoor crowds thin

Cliff Lee, a full-time busker, told CNA he had cut his daily performing time from four hours to two because of health concerns, while his earnings had fallen nearly 50 per cent. Orchard Road performer Michael Lee estimated that crowds there had dropped by at least half and said his income was down 10 to 20 per cent. Another busker, Robert Tan, said the haze had affected his stamina, prompting him to rest after about three songs.

The National Arts Council has advised buskers and outdoor arts performers to check current haze readings and health advice when deciding whether to continue, change, postpone or cancel an activity, CNA reported. The Esplanade moved all its outdoor performances indoors over the preceding weekend amid unhealthy readings. Singer Jill Marie-Thomas said the move meant a smaller audience but allowed her show to go ahead. The Esplanade said it would continue considering alternative arrangements for performances when conditions require them.

NEA’s 18 October haze outlook

In its 18 October haze update, NEA put the 24-hour Pollutant Standards Index at 109 to 192 at 6pm, within the unhealthy range, and forecast 101 to 190 for 19 October. It said air quality had improved as winds turned south, although smoke haze from Kalimantan continued to drift towards Singapore and smoke haze was observed over Sumatra. NEA expected showers and southerly winds on 19 October that could limit haze from Kalimantan, while haze from Sumatra might drift towards Singapore. It also forecast a possible wind shift from Tuesday night.