SHOPKEEPERS at Hougang Avenue 8 have been playing a cat-and-mouse game with the authorities ever since they received letters terminating their use of the outdoor display areas in front of their shops on June18.

Aljunied Town Council, which is responsible for the neighbourhood, sent at least 18 termination notices, after reminders sent in May that they were flouting guidelines regarding the use of their spaces were ignored.

The notice said that continued use of the area - whether by the shopkeeper or their tenant - would lead to a fine of up to $5,000. The rule they flouted? Selling goods outside the shop that were different from those being sold inside.

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