D-Bar Set to Reopen

D-Bar will reopen as soon as it is safe to do so after a student petition called on YUSU to save it.

(Image: Jack Davies)

Following a student campaign, D-Bar is set to reopen for the first time since March 2020.

A joint statement from YUSU and Derwent College states that it is “not the case” that D-Bar will be closing and that they will “get D-Bar back open as soon as it is safe to do so”.

A reopening date is yet to be confirmed with “significant work” required before it can reopen.

Changes to the space are currently being considered to ensure it complies with licence conditions and health and safety standards.

The statement says that D-Bar “will not reopen the venue if doing so puts students and staff at risk or could be in breach of the law and so resolving these issues first is essential”.

YUSU President Patrick O’Donnell told York Vision:

“As a former Derwent student myself, the enthusiasm for D-Bar from students is great to see and we are enjoying working with Derwent College to try to turn that enthusiasm into something that gets it back open for the long term.

“We will have to balance that against our commitment to all the other colleges as well and in a way that is safe and secure, meeting our obligations to the University (as our landlord) and the licensing authorities.

“We are feeling optimistic but have lots to get done to get it ready and open!”