education

University of Portsmouth closes student bar after demand for alcohol plummets

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A university is closing its Students’ Union bar with demand for alcohol from students falling.

The University of Portsmouth has announced the decision with Freshers’ Week just a fortnight away. Alcohol sales have plummeted by 20 per cent year on year at The Waterhole bar for the past four years.

It comes after a report, shared exclusively with The Independent, revealed that the demand for alcohol-free university events is on the rise as more than one in five students say they are teetotal.

The Waterhole will be closed as freshers descend on the university next month and it will be turned into a social space with street food, a coffee shop, microwaves and “comfy furniture”.

Earlier this month, Abertay University, in Dundee, took a similar decision to swap its bar for a café following declining interest from students.

Graham Galbraith, vice-chancellor of the University of Portsmouth, said: “We recognise that student tastes have changed in recent years and most students who want to drink alcohol would prefer to do so at other city venues.

“Only a minority of students have been using the Waterhole bar and we’re aware that many avoid it. People were simply not using it enough and the bar has become financially unsustainable.

“In response, we believe redesigning and refurbishing that area, offering street food, coffee, microwaves and comfy furniture will help open it up for all to enjoy and help them feel part of a bigger student community.”

Helena Schofield, the Students’ Union (SU) president, said: “Myself and the Sabbatical Officer team are sad to see the bar go but we understand that it’s not financially viable to keep the bar open.

“We’re excited to hear student ideas on what the new space should bring to the experience of students here in Portsmouth.”

Last year, a survey from the National Union of Students (NUS) revealed that students who pay £9,250 a year in tuition fees are turning their backs on expensive boozy nights out.

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Almost a quarter of students believe there should be more social events at university that do not involve any drinking, the survey, of more than 2,200 university students, found.

A number of universities and students’ unions have increased the number of alcohol-free events they run to meet the rising demand – and more are introducing alcohol-free student halls.

The University of St Andrews, which has offered alcohol-free accommodation since 2015, said it was unable to place all students who requested rooms last year as it was such a popular option.

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