Singapore lifts chewing gum ban for licensed users

ULTRA-TIDY Singapore has lifted its ban on chewing gum after 12 long years — but only for registered users.

Before Singaporeans think about unwrapping a pack of the Wrigley's Orbit gum that has just gone on sale and only in chemists they must submit their names and ID card numbers. If they don't, chemists who sell them gum could be jailed for up to two years and fined £1,600.

Singapore outlawed the manufacture, import and sale of chewing gum in 1992 after the country's founding father, Lee Kuan Yew, complained it was fouling streets, buildings, buses and subway trains.

As part of their free trade pact with the US, Singapore has agreed to sell "therapeutic" gum in pharmacies.

Orbit, which manufacturer Wrigley claims is good for teeth, hit shelves days ago. Nicorette, a nicotine gum, has been available in pharmacies since March.

Singaporeans seemed unimpressed by the change.

"It's ridiculous that it's easier for 16-year-olds to visit prostitutes than it is to get chewing gum here," said 22-year old student Fayen Wong. Prostitution is legal in parts of Singapore and no registration is required.