Marc Ellis says pubs provide safer spaces for student drinkers

As the Dunedin community mourn the death of a student who died at a crowded flat over the weekend, many are looking towards how to provide safer drinking environments for students. RNZ has spoken to students who say, over the years the university shut down bars which led to students drinking at larger house parties with less supervision. Popular venues including The Gardies and The Bowler have been purchased by the university and closed or repurposed. Earlier this year the Otago University Students Association pushed the Dunedin City Council to lobby for cheaper drinks to encourage students to drink in licensed venues. The closure of pubs has concerned former Otago University student Marc Ellis, who tried to purchase Gardies in 2010 - but was outbid by the university. He told First Up's Lydia Batham while student parties are bound to happen, the pub provides a safe alternative.