Three students who were brewing beer at their
residence hall in Nanyang Technological University (NTU) were asked
to stop after the school found out.
Campus newspaper The Nanyang Chronicle said on Monday
that Mr Rahul Immandira, Mr Heetesh Alwani and Mr Abilash
Subbaraman had been brewing the alcoholic beverage in Binjai
Hall.
"Binjai Brew, their self-titled brand, was unexpectedly
well received," the Chronicle said.
"But after their 10th batch in February and spending
almost $2,500, they were asked to stop their brewing activities.
They received notice that they were violating Singapore laws by
brewing on NTU grounds and selling the beer."
Mr Immandira, 24, told The Straits Times yesterday that
he and his friends, all fourth-year students, began brewing in
September last year.
"It was slow going, so things took a while," he said.
"We got the notice from NTU to stop in February."
Mr Immandira, who is in chemical engineering, said he
and his friends "shared about 400 bottles over a few months".
"We didn't sell the beer," he stressed. "Some of our
friends appreciated it and realised it cost us money, so they gave
us some."
He said they did not keep track of how much they got
but it was not much. A batch cost them between $80 and $120.
They bought equipment, materials and ingredients in
Singapore.
He said he agreed with the school's decision.
"We weren't sure about the part of the law that says we
can't do it in school," he said. "As for the part about not
selling, we were convinced that we weren't selling the beer."
The Singapore Customs' website says that individuals do
not require a licence to brew beer if they fulfil certain
conditions, which include brewing it at home for one's own
consumption.
The three were not brewing at home and allegedly
accepted money for the exchange of beer, which was considered a
sale, the Nanyang Chronicle said.
In response to queries, a spokesman for NTU said the
school acknowledged the students' "enterprising spirit" but it was
misplaced.
TNP