Welp, another one might soon bite the dust. Bali Lane nightlife stronghold Blu Jaz Cafe will no longer be able to host its usual array of live music, parties and other shows come Oct 22, when its Public Entertainment Licence gets terminated.
According to the people running the iconic three-story venue, the Singapore Police Force decided to cancel the license due to offenses related to alleged noise issues and overcrowding in the space. The authorities found that Blu Jaz failed to “ensure windows and doors remained closed” on two occasions, as well as two instances earlier this year when the venue hosted patrons over 20 percent of its capacity. Which is true we suppose, if you’ve dropped by the spot during its acclaimed party nights (shout out to Good Times).
Blu Jaz director Aileen Tan informed The New Paper that she was first notified by the police about the termination of its license back in August, but it was only last Monday that its appeal against the termination was rejected. Apparently, the venue held a “poor track record of compliance” and had already exceeded the maximum demerit points allowed in its licensing conditions within two years.
Blu Jaz
Though the entertainment license will be terminated, Blu Jaz is still allowed to operate as a bar and restaurant. But what that does is ruin everything that made Blue Jaz Cafe an iconic music venue in the Haji Lane district.
Prior to its current location, Blu Jaz Cafe started out as a small burger joint popular with backpackers in Little India in 2004. But ever since the venue opened its doors at Bali Lane in 2006, Blue Jaz became a hot spot for live entertainment that has hosted a range of renowned local, regional and international acts across all genres. Aside from music, the cafe has also hosted events such as open mic shows, stand-up comedy, movie screenings, dance classes and more — basically making it a haven for the local creative arts scene.
Petition launched, creatives speak out
Tan and her team have since called upon the public for help to save Blu Jaz Cafe from being just another bar in Kampong Glam. A petition was launched yesterday to get the Public Entertainment Appeal Board to reverse or reconsider the police’s decision to terminate the entertainment license — a petition that has since gathered over 1,300 signatures as of writing.
Longtime patrons and fans of Blu Jaz Cafe are also urged to provide personal letters of reference in support of the cafe, which will be submitted to the Board as well.
Tributes by musicians and other creatives in support of the iconic venue have also gone viral on social media, including an emotional post on Reddit.
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