Why one of Sydney’s most popular bars has banned hen’s parties: ‘Always terrible, always an issue’
- Sydney nightclub bans hens and bucks parties
- Universal is a popular queer venue on Oxford Street
An iconic Sydney nightclub has revealed why it has banned hens and bucks parties after deciding they attract too many issues for the venue.
Universal, which boasts a prime position on Oxford Street, imposed the ban in February – around the same time as the Mardi Gras parade and World Pride.
When asked about the ban the nightclub’s licensee Dillon Shaw told Daily Mail Australia: ‘We’re a queer venue for queer people’.
A venue spokesperson said the ban on bucks parties and hens nights does not single out women or men in particular.
‘Universal is committed to being open and welcoming to ALL. It’s in our name.
‘We choose to restrict bucks parties and hens nights from the venue, due to the increased risk of intoxication and anti-social behaviour often associated with them.
‘This forms part of our commitment to ensuring that Universal remains a safe place.
‘It’s important for us to clarify that this policy absolutely does not single out women or men in particular.’
Universal, which boasts a prime position on Sydney’s Oxford Street, imposed the ban in February – around the same time as the Mardi Gras parade (pictured is the venue)
The club, which boasts a prime position on Sydney’s Oxford Street, imposed the ban on hens nights in February – around the same time as the Mardi Gras parade
In March, a source told Gay Sydney News that the majority of staff and security were aware of the ban on hens and bucks parties.
‘There’s definitely a place for women in gay bars who are there for mostly the same reasons we are: to enjoy the drag, the music and the people,’ the source said.
‘The exception to this is hens parties. Always terrible, always an issue. They are usually drinking beforehand and there are always issues surrounding hens.’
In 2019, popular bar ‘Slims rooftop’ – located on the third floor of Hyde Park House near the CBD – introduced a ban on sashes and penis straws.
The bar specifies that ‘overt’ hens and bucks parties were no longer allowed because: ‘We’re all about fun but not at the expense of everyone else.’
When asked about the ban the venue’s licensee Dillon Shaw told Daily Mail Australia: ‘We’re a queer venue for queer people’ (pictured, is a drag performer)
The tongue-in-cheek dress code sparked an amused response from customers.
‘Cheap, ill-fitting suits and power ties; seriously, nobody cares up here,’ the list of rules began.
They have also asked people to not have ‘comb-overs’ and they won’t tolerate ‘d***heads’ or ‘thongs after sunset’.
According to the post, staff will also turn away groups in fancy dress and couples who are dressed to match.
Other banned items include ‘shoes that you can’t walk in’, ‘s*** chat’, ‘cargo shorts at all times’ and sporting team jerseys.
The management also don’t want to see people in high-vis as ‘we’ve finished building up here’, nor do they want those who will be ‘creeping’.
