University disappointed in student lawsuit over pub issueWATERLOO, Ont. -- The University of Waterloo expressed disappointment today in the latest move by student leaders. The Federation of Students has filed a lawsuit against UW for $11 million over the dispute surrounding an acceptable management arrangement for two campus pubs: the Bombshelter and Federation Hall. UW spokesman Martin Van Nierop said: "From the outset, we have been eager to keep the pubs open under a management arrangement consistent with the requirements of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission. We want to ensure that we provide good, safe service to our students, and that they have access to these recreational facilities." The university and the federation had agreed to an interim management arrangement during the first week of January, one that would have seen the pubs continuing to operate while a more permanent arrangement was developed. The Federation of Students subsequently refused to operate under the interim agreement, and also refused to meet to discuss the matter. This left the university with no choice other than to suspend the serving of alcohol in the two campus pubs. Recently, student leaders requested details of the university's proposed management plan for the pubs. The university provided student leaders with these details, but late last week the federation rejected the plan, once again refusing to meet to discuss the matter further. Van Nierop added: "Since the beginning of January, we've been more than willing to meet with our student leaders to discuss this issue and work toward a resolution. We're still willing to do that, but it's unfortunate that they've now caused the whole process to take a step backward." -30-
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