What's all the fuss about The Gallery and Tru?

Will students be affected if York's two biggest clubs close?

First off, there is no substantial evidence as to the fate of the two clubs. While it’s true that, yes, they’ve apparently done badly, what business hasn’t in the last six months? Luminar Group Holdings Plc, the owners of the two clubs, have clearly denied any plans to close, refuting what was a surprising piece of sensationalism from Nouse. This renders any continued debate about the closures simply rumour mongering and speculation. I, for one, am bemused as to why they would deny such rumours if they were true – surely there is no better way to boost business than to raise up support for a suffering favourite. If these clubs were really in trouble, it would perhaps make students more likely to turn up religiously to our student nights. In its denial, Luminar has effectively shrugged off any help that ordinary clubbers could offer.

Secondly, does it really matter one way or another? Tru used to be Toffs, Toffs closed, Tru opened, and was there honestly any difference to the system? It is highly likely that, even if Tru and The Gallery close, other companies looking for a foothold in a student town will buy up the properties fairly quickly. If so, there will hardly be any disruption to the student week out.

Yet what if the “curse” of the unprofitable situation warns off any other company that could afford to buy up the sites? What if the clubs are forced to close without replacement, and York students are left without an official Tuesday and Thursday night out, not to mention SNG?

Well, there are other bars/clubs in York: BPM and Salvation and Vodka Revs. Having made the mistake of befriending certain “people” on Facebook in freshers’ week, I am constantly inundated with invitations to “Kandyland” and other promotion nights in such places. If our two main clubs close, I’m sure these bars will be more than happy to fill the void (although their drinks deals may well stop being so good if they no longer have to compete).

Or, if you don’t fancy those, use your imagination: I’ve had more fun than all my clubbing experiences put together at house parties and bars. My few trips to Tru and The Gallery, about five in total I think, have all been fairly good nights, but never because of where I was. They were good because of the people I was with and little things that could have happened anywhere. I refute the idea that students need clubs to have a good time, but if students are worried, they know what they need to do – go clubbing more and support their favourite venue, rather than simply complaining about the closure risk, or find another way to spend their nights.

But if all else fails there’s always Ziggy’s.

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