Uni Bar going out with a bang as University of Tasmania calls time on iconic campus watering hole

Will the last student to stumble from the Uni Bar please turn out the lights? UTAS has confirmed when the one-time epicentre of campus life will serve its last pot after nearly 50 years operation.

Bliss n Eso perform at the Uni Bar in 2023. The Uni Bar at the University of Tasmania Sandy Bay campus will close. Picture: Zoe Lowry

Will the last UTAS student to stumble from the Uni Bar please turn out the lights?

In a sobering revelation set to trigger an outpouring of sticky-carpeted reminiscences from generations of alumni, the university has confirmed the one-time epicentre of Sandy Bay campus life will serve its last pot in June after nearly 50 years’ operation.

Unibar Closing Down – Teenage Jonas. Picture: Supplied Caroline Tan

In its pomp, the licensed premises maintained a vital dual function for students – as a daytime refuge from the rigours of academic life, and a renowned late-night live music venue which attracted big-name bands including Cold Chisel, Faith No More, The Superjesus, Peking Duk, Regurgitator, and The Amity Affliction.

Cold Chisel perform in 1982 at the Union Bar. The Uni Bar at the University of Tasmania Sandy Bay campus will close. Picture: Tasmanian University Union

Uni Bar licensee, Brendan Self, admitted to feeling mixed emotions when informed his lease would not be renewed at the end of the current financial year, leaving him as the iconic watering hole’s final custodian.

Mr Self said that despite being determined to keep the Churchill Avenue venue’s legacy going indefinitely, he felt grateful for the six years spent helping contribute to a vibrant campus culture.

“The Uni Bar has been more than just a venue, it’s been a home for live music in Tassie and a place where generations of music lovers have come together,” the Hobart businessman said.

“It’s heartbreaking to see it go, but we’re incredibly proud of everything this place has meant to so many people.”

The Amity Affliction performing at the Uni Bar in 2024. The Uni Bar at the University of Tasmania Sandy Bay campus will close. Picture: Zoe Lowry

UTAS Pro Vice-Chancellor, Campus Life (Southern Tasmania), Professor Nicholas Farrelly said the decision to call time on the Uni Bar’s operations was directly related to plans announced last November to develop a contemporary STEM precinct on the Sandy Bay campus below Churchill Ave.

Jungle play at the UTAS Uni Bar.

But Prof Farrelly indicated that a more centralised student saloon might yet rise from the ashes of the current facility that traces its roots back to 1976.

“A strong and vibrant campus experience for the students of today is integral to our future and we are actively working with the Tasmanian University Student Association about the location of student facilities in the heart of the redeveloped Sandy Bay campus,” Prof Farrelly said.

“In line with this, the current lease for the Uni Bar expires in June and will not be renewed.”

Students during a Cold Chisel performance in 1982 at the Union Bar. The Uni Bar at the University of Tasmania Sandy Bay campus will close. Picture: Tasmanian University Union

With the clock now ticking on the final weeks of the Uni Bar’s storied existence, Mr Self is wasting no time crying into his beer, having already drawn up a series of farewell events that will include Kisschasy on June 20.

“We’ve got some old favourites coming back to help close the doors and there should be some good gigs to interest everyone,” he said.

“I guess we want to provide the opportunity for people to come back one last time and recall gigs they went to, or to just re-live their youth.

Sneaky Sound System. Picture: Supplied Caroline Tan

“We have been very lucky to be at the Uni Bar, being privy to a lot of great stories about the long list of amazing artists that have performed here like the Divinyls, Cold Chisel, and Paul Kelly.

“It is sad that the Uni Bar is closing, but we are very grateful for having six years there to be part of its rich history, and to bring great acts for Tasmanians to see.

“Tens of thousands of people would have come through these doors over the years, and some may have met their future husband or wife here.

“So rather than be upset for what we might not have in the future, we are just grateful for what Tasmanians have had for nearly 50 years.”

Originally published as Uni Bar going out with a bang as University of Tasmania calls time on iconic campus watering hole