Last Call for SUDS?

SUDS has been Brandon Universitiy’s campus bar since 1987, a place for students to relax and unwind while enjoying a burger and a pint. It has played host to several musicians, including Choclair and Absent Sound. SUDS was recently a host venue for the Western Canadian Music Awards. The bar has been a pillar in the Brandon University community enjoyed by students, faculty and BU alumni.

With the current financial situation of SUDS which to this point in the fiscal year is a deficit of $47,000 and the resignation of its manager, rumours have begun to spread around the campus about the future of the bar. SUDS does not have the financial means to cover this deficit, which will be absorbed by BUSU, the Brandon University Students Union. This means that this year, $47,000 worth of student fees, will go to pay off the debt. Looking back further, since the 2005-2006 school year, SUDS has accumulated almost $300,000 worth of debt, which have been covered by BUSU.

A SUDS employee, who wished to remain nameless, said that employees of the bar were aware of the rumour, but have not been told anything official from management, or the SUDS Board. An emergency meeting of the SUDS board has been called for Friday, January 29th, where the future of SUDS will be discussed. A motion by BUSU President, and SUDS Board Member, Stephen Montague will be presented to the board at the meeting. The motion states that because BUSU has paid for the deficit of SUDS in years past, and because BUSU will be responsible for the deficit this year, that the SUDS board turn over operation control of the bar to BUSU for the remainder of the fiscal year. This motion was passed and the future of Suds will be decided at the next regularly scheduled meeting.

Suggestions at the meeting included holding an AGM, closing after Reading week and opening up the space for tenders from other businesses if closed.

The Quill will have a reporter at the next meeting, and will pass along any important information. Though, if the rumours are true, you may see a closed sign on the door of SUDS before you read the next issue.

In the meeting Montague stated “I see council evaluating the financial position of the bar, and weighing it against the service it provides. We need to take feedback from students and all elected representatives to make the best decision in the best interest of students and the bar.” He continuted, “Regardless of the decision that the BUSU council makes there will be student and stakeholder consultations regarding its future.”