Future of B Henry’s set to be safeguarded
B Henry’s looks set to have its future confirmed for the first time in over 10 years with University officials set to confirm an increase in opening hours, Nouse understands.
After targets were met during this term, senior staff are reportedly poised to safeguard the Alcuin College bar, which was threatened with full closure in November 2008, and has faced an uncertain future ever since 1996.
It was reported in June that B Henry’s was to stay open for the benefit of evening students studying in the Alcuin Teaching Block, and officials have decided that longer opening hours designed to target student drinkers are economically viable.
It is understood that the announcement will be made public after the relevant employment bodies for the bar staff have been suitably informed.
Currently, the opening hours mean that the bar is only open from Monday to Thursday until 9pm. The intention was that evening students could get food before their lessons and drinks during and afterwards.
B Henry’s was to be only available to students during the revised hours.
Under the new opening hours, students will hope to consolidate the bar’s future by supporting business with college events.
After the University announced that they would be looking into the commercial viablilty of the bar late last year, a motion was unanimously passed in an EGM to campaign against its closure, led by former Alcuin Chair Erik O’Connor.
The campaign, ‘Plan B’, was continued by the current Alcuin JCRC.
Alcuin JCRC Chair Ollie Hutchings said: “A decision by Commercial Services to not only maintain, but to actively increase the number of opening hours that B Henry’s is open next academic year would show great commitment to students.”
“I personally hope that this decision will allow for B Henry’s to provide a great socialising venue for the college for years to come and and an excellent service to all passing students,” Hutchings added.
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