The University of Minho has announced the temporary closure of its Academic Bar following a meeting involving the university’s rector, the president of the Academic Association, and local police. A site visit also played a part in this decision.
“The closure of the Academic Bar is not permanent but will remain in effect until a mode of operation can be devised that aligns with the principles and values of both the Academic Association and the university,” stated the university’s communication.
Reopening the bar will potentially require restricting access to only members of the academic community to ensure the spaces are used solely by those directly involved with the institution.
“Furthermore, it is crucial that all safety conditions are adhered to in accordance with guidelines from the PSP, Civil Protection, the Authority for Food and Economic Security, and other competent entities,” the statement continued.
The temporary closure aims to ensure the safety and well-being of both the academic and local communities.
“The University of Minho calls for calm and respect for the measures now being implemented,” the statement concluded.
In the early hours of Saturday, a 19-year-old male was fatally attacked with a bladed weapon outside the Academic Bar and later succumbed to his injuries in hospital.
The incident occurred around 5:30 AM during a brawl involving approximately 20 people, as reported by the police.
The building housing the bar is owned by the University of Minho and had been leased to the Academic Association.
However, the association had further subcontracted the management of the bar to a private entrepreneur.
On Sunday, the premises suffered a fire that partially destroyed the bar after an accelerant was spilled within the building.
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