HUGE CROWDS EXPECTED
Aside from the Padang, huge crowds are expected to descend upon the Merlion Park, the Esplanade Park, and the surrounding Marina Bay area on National Day to catch glimpses of the fireworks and aerial displays.
Authorities will set up barricades in those areas to block movement and ensure smoother crowd flow.
Food outlets in the affected areas said they are adapting and making their own arrangements for business to run smoothly.
Bistro Aseana, an eatery located in the heart of the action near the Merlion statue, is more than tripling its seating capacity from 40 to 150, by taking advantage of the enclosed spaces from the barricades.
To cope with the extra customers, the bistro is engaging additional part-timers to increase its manpower by 40 per cent on that day.
“It’s very important that we are part of the celebrations. Everyone here is in a celebratory mood, and hence we have to create diverse packages for them to enjoy the experience,” said Mr Eric Chan, the diner’s managing director.