Business Enquiries: https://www.thebluecats.com.sg/In recent months, many coffeeshops in Singapore have been suspended—not because of food issues, but because their toilets were too dirty. This might sound ridiculous at first, but the sudden spike in suspensions is due to stricter enforcement by the NEA and SFA starting in 2024.While the laws around toilet cleanliness haven’t changed, the agencies have begun cracking down much harder. In comparison, only one coffeeshop was suspended in 2023, but 10 were suspended in 2024, and just halfway into 2025, eight more have already been hit. These suspensions happen when a coffeeshop racks up too many demerit points from repeated violations, similar to how the traffic demerit system works.Coffeeshops can get fined or receive demerit points for various offences, like not keeping the toilet clean, not maintaining a cleaning schedule, or not providing toilet paper or soap. The most severe toilet-related offence—no toilet paper or soap—can result in a $500 fine and six demerit points, the same penalty as preparing food in a toilet.If a coffeeshop collects 12 demerit points in under 12 months, it gets suspended for a day. Individual stalls face even harsher penalties: a two-week suspension if they hit the same threshold. The system aims to punish repeat offenders rather than one-time mistakes.This renewed focus on toilet cleanliness isn’t random—it’s part of a larger government effort. In 2024, Minister Grace Fu announced the "Year of Public Hygiene," and a task force was formed to tackle public toilet issues specifically. Co-led by Baey Yam Keng and Andrew Khng, the Public Toilets Task Force has introduced measures like renovation grants and deep cleaning support.