The Union bars have dominated zone meetings, with discussions on both “reasonably priced bars” and the “reduction in student engagement” at the bars.
The issue presented at a term three zone meeting was that societies are priced out by the cost of the University bar tabs.
Lack of engagement has become such a pressing issue, it is also frequently discussed at the Union Executive.
Phineas to become a sports bar
In an attempt to rectify this lack of student participation, term three’s Union Executive has passed for Phineas to become a sport’s bar. Somewhat understandable, since they host many sports clubs every Wednesday night.
In light of the World Cup, societies are now able to book tables seating up to ten people to watch the matches at the bar. However, there is still a minimum £5 deposit required to book seating in June.
UCL nights out comparatively expensive
UCL’s £700 society bar tab for booking places like Mully’s is comparatively higher than other universities, with KCL’s £500 fee for paid bars, and others not charging for hire.
UCL is, therefore, one of the most expensive universities in the UK for a campus-based night out, pricing out societies planning events.
The general consensus in the term two zone was that most societies do not get the financial support that they need to host events at the Union bars.
Feedback from the term three meeting was that societies need a good reason to choose Phineas on their nights out and are unlikely to go on their own accord.
£700 bar tab increasingly unpopular
The Union claims they introduced the minimum spend policy to maintain low prices for students. A UCL spokesperson stated that, “two years ago, we [the SU] were covering the cost of all this, but now they [the SU] can’t sustain it.”
Many UCL students feel that they cannot rely on Union bars for a fun night out.
A UCL spokesperson agreed that students control “where you decide to go and spend your time in the evening.”
It is common for clubs to choose local pubs like The Rocket over Phineas on a Wednesday.
Though there has been some investment in the bars to restyle their appearance, the costs of running in their current state is unviable for the long-term.
This makes hosting events unattractive to the the Union because their profitability tends to be uncertain.
One Union member claimed, “we don’t know whether they’re [events] going to be successful or not”.
Socials with alcohol are still the biggest hit
Attendees of the zone meeting acknowledged that socials garnering the most popularity tended to be the ones where alcohol was likely to be involved.
One society leader claimed that one event hosted with alcohol “was the most popular by far.”
Yet pricing out students still remains an issue when it comes to societies booking events at the Union bars.
The Union opting to make Phineas a sports bar is therefore risking further spending without total certainty that the change will be popular or financially rewarding.
This is especially important given that three of the Union bars — the Huntley, Mullys, and Phineas — are currently running deficits.
A Union spokesperson said:
“We’re working hard to make sure the bars meet students’ needs and remain financially viable.
“Like many bars and venues across the UK, we’ve been hit with rising costs and a change in behaviour. Student socialising habits are changing rapidly, and our bars are more exposed to this change in behaviour than other high street venues.
“We continue to operate our venues in line with our social enterprise ethos - putting any profit back into the student community, paying student staff London Living Wage, sourcing from ethical and sustainable suppliers, and being at the heart of the campus community.”