The Bombshelter Pub, commonly referred to as "the Bomber," opened in January 1975 inside the Campus Centre (now the Student Life Centre) at the University of Waterloo.[1] Initially known as the Campus Centre Pub or C.C. Pub, the establishment briefly ... »
The Bombshelter Pub, commonly referred to as "the Bomber," opened in January 1975 inside the Campus Centre (now the Student Life Centre) at the University of Waterloo.[1] Initially known as the Campus Centre Pub or C.C. Pub, the establishment briefly underwent a name change to the "Orange Bombshelter" on May 29, 1976, before adopting its contemporary name.[2]
The pub was initially owned and managed by the University of Waterloo. The University's leadership had expressed interest in establishing a campus pub as far back as the 1960s. However, regulations at the time prohibited universities from obtaining permanent liquor licenses, limiting alcohol service to special occasions. In 1969, the University formally petitioned the provincial government to revise these regulations.[3] By 1975, the legislation was amended, and the University was granted a permanent license. This license permitted the serving of alcoholic beverages exclusively to students, faculty, staff, and registered guests. An area inside the Campus Centre was renovated to create space for the pub, which was scheduled to open on January 20, 1975.[4]
Original prices for drinks in 1975 was 50 cents for a bottle of beer, 45 cents for a 12-ounce glass of draft beer, 70 cents for straight bar liquor, 85 cents for bar liquor with mix, and $2.10 for a pitcher of beer.[5]
Ownership of the pub was transferred to the Federation of Students (now the Waterloo Undergraduate Student Association, WUSA) sometime between 1976 and 1978. Throughout its years of operation, the pub hosted many musical performances, became well-known for trivia nights, and served as a popular meeting place for members of the University community.[6]
In 2018, WUSA announced that the pub was not financially sustainable, and the business was closed permanently after more than 40 years of service.[7]
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