Why doesn't the College Bar have a late license?

JimLarkin

Or why isn't there a 'College Nightclub'? I mean surely the idea of a nightclub/late bar for students on campus, away from town isn't a bad one? It's a non-residential area close to the student villages and most student accommodation and it would be a big money spinner for the college.

I've always seen the CB as a bit of a waste of time. What's the point in going there in the evening if you have to leave a few hours later and walk into town anyway? No matter what drink promos they have on it's still cheaper to drink at home before a club.

I suppose they don't want the campus turning into Eyre Square at 3am but it's not like loads of students don't pass through on their way home anyway.

Even just to have the CB as it is but open until 2am on a Mon & Thurs or something.

3fullback

It's actually a members bar and by right can open as long as it wants !! That's why you must show college ID to gain entry !

Fooker

It's neither the one thing or the other. I've never really liked it when it's empty when it's full. Just not that great.

Lapin

Is it open during the Summer ?

mrkiscool2

Lapin wrote: »

Is it open during the Summer ?

It opens til like 6 Mon-Thurs and 12 on Friday (lectures and PhD's come in then). As for the whole "Why doesn't it stay open til 2 all the time" It's pretty simple really. The SU don't actually own the building in which the College Bar is. So, even if they wanted to keep it open til 2am, the University would just say "Sorry lads, you ain't getting the building back next year". Jim Browne is really anti-drink which is why it closes at 11:30 each night.

JimLarkin

mrkiscool2 wrote: »

As for the whole "Why doesn't it stay open til 2 all the time" It's pretty simple really. The SU don't actually own the building in which the College Bar is. So, even if they wanted to keep it open til 2am, the University would just say "Sorry lads, you ain't getting the building back next year".

It doesn't really matter who owns it, the question still applies. Even in general, there is nothing like it at other universities/colleges in Ireland is there? Seems odd. Is it some pointless attempt at not promoting alcohol?

mrkiscool2

JimLarkin wrote: »

It doesn't really matter who owns it, the question still applies. Even in general, there is nothing like it at other universities/colleges in Ireland is there? Seems odd. Is it some pointless attempt at not promoting alcohol?

I answered your question perfectly actually. I told you the main reason for it. I shall list off other points now

• The college grounds are very secluded. This could give rise to rape, muggings etc.
• The College Bar has made a loss 18 out of the last 20 years. Keeping it opne until 2am would not be financially viable. They would have to hire a DJ, proper PA etc for each night
• Also, as we see in town, it could give rise to drunk students vandalising the grounds. Not something Jim Browne would approve of

JimLarkin

mrkiscool2 wrote: »

I answered your question perfectly actually. I told you the main reason for it. I shall list off other points now

lol relax fella, I still appreciated the information I'm just saying whether the SU or the college own the premises the question is still why don't they have it open late. Vincent de Paul could own it and I'm still wondering the same thing.

The college grounds are very secluded. This could give rise to rape, muggings etc.

Also, as we see in town, it could give rise to drunk students vandalising the grounds. Not something Jim Browne would approve of

Plenty of drunk students pass through the campus on their way to and from town as it is, I don't have any stats to back this up but I don't think there are many rapes etc

The College Bar has made a loss 18 out of the last 20 years. Keeping it opne until 2am would not be financially viable. They would have to hire a DJ, proper PA etc for each night

Probably makes a loss because there isn't much motive to drink there. Generally the same or dearer prices than town, further away and closes early. They would make more money if there was more reason to go.

Out of interest how are they making a loss? I would have thought one of the largest expenses would usually be rent, but they own the property. Is it really that empty all year that wages, stock and overheads exceed revenue?

empacher

The venue is a great venue in itself .
But Galway has one of the best nightlifes in Ireland. With the selection of nightclubs that all have different music policies, the college bar can't compete.
I'm explaining this from the perspective of someone who has worked in six different nightclubs in Galway. It is possible but it takes roughly 18 months to turn your image around. Thus attracting a crowd in or changing your clientele completely. Electric garden is a perfect example of this.

JimLarkin

empacher wrote: »

The venue is a great venue in itself .
But Galway has one of the best nightlifes in Ireland. With the selection of nightclubs that all have different music policies, the college bar can't compete.
I'm explaining this from the perspective of someone who has worked in six different nightclubs in Galway. It is possible but it takes roughly 18 months to turn your image around. Thus attracting a crowd in or changing your clientele completely. Electric garden is a perfect example of this.

There's a new wave of first-years every September who would definitely go to it though. And the music policies in Galway aren't that diverse...
Besides I'm not talking about a huge overhaul. The Bar would still be open during the day and evening as normal.

keesa

Of course it's a residential area. Newcastle is one of the primary residential areas in Galway, and the residents are angry at the university and the students for the way they treat the place at the best of times. You try to bring a nightclub into that and there will be problems. Some areas have been talking about petitioning the uni for security during student "event" weeks- RAG week, balls etc.

It's also not a great idea to have a night club on the banks of the river