Beer Bar after trial run opts to open to the public ahead of Freshers’ Week.
The Glasgow University Union (GUU) has announced it will be opening its signature bar, Beer Bar, ahead of Freshers’ Week. This will be the first stage of opening the Union after being closed for the longest period in the Union’s 135 year history.
The bar will not just include the singular room, but throughout the Union in various locations during Freshers’ Week. The bar will only be able to be accessed to those who book in advance, and the Union appears to be taking many safety precautions including a one-way system and track and trace.
The bar looks strangely different as plexiglass now separates the booths and plexiglass walls divide the alcove by the dartboard. Even ordering will be different, as the lengthy Beer Bar queue is being replaced by table service.
The bookings are taken for only two hours at a time in order to give as many people a chance to enjoy the venue. This is still being trialed, and the Union is planning on experimenting with longer hours and increased capacity. The current capacity under the Covid protocol is 84 in the bar, 115 including the other spaces, and 312 for the entire building. They are planning on experimenting with outdoor seating and moving the smoking area in order to increase capacity if there is a demand.
While it is a positive sign that the Union is opening, GUU confirmed HIVE will not re-open until given clearance from the Scottish government. The Union Kitchen will provisionally be open after Freshers’ Week, with reduced seating and hours. However, event bookings are not being taken at the moment. The libraries and study spaces are moving with University, but at the moment have no confirmed reopening date.
GUU Honorary-Secretary, Blake Gray stated: “Health and safety are first priority, but it’s great to welcome people back in the building.”
