KL entertainment spots can get temporary licences to operate as pure restaurants

KUALA LUMPUR, 2 Dec 2020:

The Association of Restaurant and Bistro Owners (PPRB) in Kuala Lumpur have proposed to City Hall (DBKL) and the city’s mayor Datuk Mahadi Che Ngah that entertainment outlets closed since march 18 this year to curb the spread of Covid-19 be allowed to reopen again as pure dining premises.

In a statement, PPRB president William Lee said the association had asked for leeway from DBKL to allow these premises to apply for an additional operational licence – which will permit them to operate as a non-entertainment premises, without jeopardising their existing entertainment licence status.

“As an example, a dance club can be converted to a restaurant or café, serving food but strictly no entertainment (no live music, no DJ).”

He said PPRB also highlighted some of these premises may not have the space or food preparations facilities or speciality – and may this use services of a central or cloud kitchen.

Alternatively, he said the association also sought permission that the change of use should not be limited to conversion into a restaurant or café. “A business owner should have the flexibility to convert the premise to any use and DBKL agrees, as long as the new business or industry is not prohibited by the federal government.”

In response, DBKL director at the Licensing & Business Development Department Khairul Anuar said applicants are encouraged to send in their requests to PPRB for consolidation and liaison with DBKL. In turn, Lee confirmed PPRB will submit the forms on a weekly basis and expedite the process.

Meanwhile, Mahadi expressed awareness of the hardships affecting citizens of Kuala Lumpur and he is compassionate about the situation. He highlighted that DBKL is here to assist everyone, as long as it is not contradictory to the guidelines from the federal government.

“DBKL does not want to see businesses lost, workers out of a job and Kuala Lumpur losing its vibrancy. KL is a city for all,” said the mayor.

PPRB also tabled a proposal to extend the validity of the premise, alcohol and entertainment licences of affected outlets (that have not been operating since March 18).

“We also requested for DBKL to waive the Quit Rent and Assessment Fee for landlords whom are renting their premises to affected licensed operators. Hopefully these savings can be converted to rental rebates,” said Lee.

“The mayor has taken these proposal on board, he will deliberate and discuss with the necessary stakeholders.”

On current operations, Lee said the association sought clarification on the recent extended operational hours (till midnight). “We explained businesses need additional time to do the necessary closing for the day.”

Mahadi clarified as long as there is no service of customers past the allowed time (midnight), businesses can take the time needed to conclude their operations.

PPRB also sought clarification on having background music or piped-in music during operations “because we have members that were instructed to stop playing music during their operations”.

Khairul clarified that background music is permitted as long as the volume is kept at a reasonable level, not played live and not intended for customers to dance.