Warwick SU to close the Copper Rooms and Terrace bar on 27th October

Warwick SU have announced they will be closing the Copper Rooms and Terrace bar from 6pm on Wednesday 27th October, in response to the proposed boycott protesting the recent increase in drink spiking.

In a statement released on their Facebook page, the SU said: “We fully support the Girls Night In protest planned for next week, following increased reports of drink-spiking at venues on and off campus. We stand in solidarity with their cause, and will be closing our Copper Rooms and Terrace Bar venues from 6pm on Wednesday 27th October.”

Warwick SU released the statement on Facebook

The SU have also made the decision not to close their venues on the second day of the boycott, a decision they say was made with It Happens Here Warwick and Protect Warwick Women. They explained: “We are all in full agreement that we will not close on Thursday 28th October, in addition to the Wednesday as originally planned, as we wish to offer a safe space for students to enjoy the Rep My Flag Halloween event taking place in The Copper Rooms on that date.

“We believe that closing on the night of our biggest event, POP!, underlines our total commitment to stamping out the deplorable incidents of drink-spiking nationally.”

The SU said they have “considerable safety measures” in place to reduce the risk of spiking, and will be holding meetings in the next few days to discuss introducing additional measures. They stated: “Everyone deserves to feel safe on a night out, and we will do everything we can to protect our students and their guests in SU venues.”

They also laid out a no-tolerance policy to spiking, writing: “Contrary to recent rumours circulated on social media, any incidents of spiking in SU spaces will lead to a permanent ban, as well as further consequences, and this has always been the case, without exception.”