Time called on student union bar

Bristol University has closed its union bar blaming competition from supermarkets and its location.

Union officials say the bar lost £40,000 last term after a drop in the number of students drinking there.

The union blames the bar's demise on cut-price alcohol from supermarkets and its out-of-the-way location in Queen's Road, Clifton.

It follows the closure of the union shop last year, due to competition from a new Tesco supermarket nearby.

Changing demographic

Student Union president Tobin Webb said: "I think there is a change in demographic of students.

"Interestingly, our venture downstairs that's just started this year selling healthy fruit juices and coffees and teas has, in contrast, done very well.

"There is also a change in culture of not just students, but people in general, drinking more at home, so it seems to me like supermarkets are winning in the battle for the drinking crowd."

Some students told the BBC they were not surprised at the closure decision.

One said: "It's so much easier to get down to town and [the union bar] is somewhere that's not that popular any more."

Students are still able to use the smaller, quieter Mandela bar in the Anson Rooms.

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