Boat Quay shopowners launch drive to flush out touting, overcharging

The image of Boat Quay has long been tarnished by touting and overcharging.

Some shopowners are now working with Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) through the Singapore River ONE task group to fix the problem.

One of the participants, Dallas Restaurant and Bar owner Jason Pope said: "... we did a survey of about 500 people. That survey concluded that over 60 per cent of the people said they weren't happy with Boat Quay, and may not return to Boat Quay because of touting and overcharging.

"... We should be standing at the side of our boundaries and next to our menus... Standing in front of a customer and following them down a walkway is touting and that's what we want to avoid," Mr Pope added.

The committee has launched a campaign called "A Better Singapore River".

It has spelt out a set of guidelines on touting and overcharging.

Currently, about 25 outlets or 70 per cent of the restaurants along Boat Quay are on board.

Tourists and locals who feel that they have been overcharged can complain to Singapore's consumer watchdog, Consumers Association of Singapore and Singapore Tourism Board.

ORIGINAL SOURCE

Content used in this not-for-profit blog remain the property of their respective owners.