Businesses in the Clarke Quay and Boat Quay areas are optimistic that extending their operating hours is the right way forward.On Thursday (Aug 7), the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of National Development, said that the Boat Quay precinct and neighbouring areas will be revitalised with a series of regulatory changes.Come Aug 18, businesses along Boat Quay and Clarke Quay can apply for extended liquor licenses until 4am on Thursdays and Fridays for a trial that will last a year.Proposals for new nightclubs, bars and pubs along Boat Quay Waterfront, Circular Road, Lorong Telok and Canton Street may also be submitted for temporary permission of up to three years.Circular Road will also be free of cars on Friday and Sunday evenings and on the eve of public holidays.Speaking with AsiaOne, Rafid, the manager of restaurant and bar Shahi Maharaja along Boat Quay, said that the extension is good news for him, especially on Fridays.The 38-year-old explained that he will likely be hiring more workers and extending his business hours past 1.30am if his application is approved. Read more