E-commerce sites must take steps to ensure alcohol is not sold to people under 18 under the updated rules.

SINGAPORE: E-commerce platforms must put in place measures such as age verification of buyers to ensure alcohol is not sold to people under 18, under new requirements announced by the Singapore authorities on Saturday November 18.

The legal drinking age in Singapore is 18.

Any person or business selling alcohol must already obtain a license to do so.

But the updated requirements, which will come into force on January 2, 2024, make clear that online suppliers and e-commerce platforms such as Lazada, Shopee and Carousell must take steps to ensure alcohol is not sold to minor buyers.

The requirements also apply to the sale of alcohol through telecommunications services.

Police said these measures include requiring the purchaser to confirm and declare that they are 18 years or older, warning them that purchasing alcohol if they do not have the legal drinking age constitutes an offense and to inform them of the penalties.

“From 2 January 2024, the supply of alcohol to persons under the age of 18 online or via telecommunications services will constitute an offense under the Liquor Control (Supply and Consumption) (Licensing of Alcohol) Regulations. alcohol) from 2015,” police said in a statement. Press release.

Violators can be fined up to S$10,000.

Singapore Police said the move followed a review of regulatory requirements relating to the supply of alcohol online or via telecommunications services.

“This move ensures parity with liquor licensees who operate brick-and-mortar stores and will help reduce underage drinking,” he added in the press release.

Police also announced that as part of this review, license holders will no longer be required to keep or store alcohol on their licensed premises from January 2, 2024.

However, the sale of alcohol from such premises used for storage is prohibited.