Universal Sydney bar bans hens parties
Why one of Sydney’s hottest bars has banned stag parties: ‘Always awful, always a problem’
- Sydney nightclub bans hen and goat parties
- Universal is a popular gay club on Oxford Street
An iconic Sydney nightclub has revealed why it banned hen and goat parties after deciding they were attracting too much trouble for the venue.
Universal, with a prime location 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 are a queer venue for queer people’.
A spokesperson for the venue said the ban on money parties and hen nights does not specifically exclude women or men.
“Universal is committed to being open and welcoming to EVERYONE. It’s in our name.
“We choose to limit money parties and stag nights to the venue, due to the increased risk of drunkenness and anti-social behavior that often accompanies them.
“This is part of our commitment to ensuring that Universal remains a safe place.
“It is important for us to clarify that this policy in no way excludes women or men in particular.”
Universal, which has 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 location)
The club, which has a prime location on Sydney’s Oxford Street, imposed a ban on chicken 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 hen and goat parties.
“There is definitely a place for women in gay bars who are there for the same reasons we are: to enjoy the cross-dressing, the music and the people,” said the source.
‘An exception to this are bachelor parties. Always terrible, always a problem. They usually drink beforehand and there are always problems with chickens.’
In 2019, the popular ‘Slims rooftop’ bar – located on the third floor of Hyde Park House near the CBD – introduced a ban on sashes and penis straws.
The bar mentions that “open” hen and goat parties were no longer allowed because, “It’s all about fun for us, but not at everyone’s expense.”
When asked about the ban, the venue’s licensee, Dillon Shaw, told Daily Mail Australia: ‘We are a queer venue for queer people’ (pictured, is a drag performer)
The ironic dress code led to amused reactions from customers.
“Cheap ill-fitting suits and power ties; seriously, no one cares about this,” the list of rules began.
They’ve also asked people not to have “comb overs” and won’t tolerate “d***heads” or “strings after sunset.”
According to the post, staff will also reject groups in fancy dress and pairs that match.
Other prohibited items include ‘shoes you can’t walk in’, ‘s*** chat’, ‘cargo shorts at all times’ and athletic team jerseys.
Management also doesn’t want to see people in high vis as “we’re done building here,” nor do they want them to “crawl.”