Charisa Bossinakis
Sydney’s iconic Universal gay bar has banned hens and bucks parties.
So, you can forget the penis straws, sloppy drunks with bride sashes, and yelling at the bartender at this lavish Oxford Street venue.
The ban was first announced on Gay News Sydney’s Instagram account, which apparently has already come into effect.
According to Gay News, one source revealed to the outlet that bucks and hens parties have been consistently ‘terrible’.
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“There’s definitely a place for women in gay bars who are there mostly for the same reasons we are: to enjoy the drag, the music and the people,” the source close to Universal said.
“The exception to this are hens parties. Always terrible, always an issue.”
The source added that these partygoers tend to be plastered before entering the venue, and things can quickly escalate.
They continued: “The ban isn’t on women - just a type of party. Anyone wearing hens paraphernalia, bridal sashes, dick paraphernalia is turned away.”
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When asked about the ban, the nightclub's licensee Dillon Shaw told the Daily Mail that Universal is meant to be a safe haven for ‘queers’.
According to the outlet, a spokesperson also said that the ban is not prohibiting certain men or women and will still strive to be ‘inclusive’.
“Universal is committed to being open and welcoming to ALL. It's in our name,” they said.
“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.
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“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.”
When news broke that Universal had imposed this ban, the decision was applauded by many on social media.
One person wrote: “OBSESSED WITH THISSSSS!!! THANK YOU!!!”
Another shared: “Yesss well done! About time!!!”
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While another commented: “I worked for a cabaret and dinner venue, we had to do the same, one lot didn’t even make it to sit down for dinner or have a drink, they were highly intoxicated when they got there. Others have been asked to leave, they carry on with pack mentality and destroy the place.”