This question seems to be asked about once a week, so I'll do my best to sum it up quickly and explain it fully for those that are really interested in the reasons why it's like that.
Basically:
- If you are a student at a university and are a member of your student union (or if you are a life/graduate member of your student union), you can come in with out signing-in and are allowed to sign-in up to four bona fide guests
- If you are not a student, then you must be signed in by an eligible student
- In either case, you will need photographic proof of identity (for students: a matric card and, if necessary, union membership card; for guests: photographic I.D, preferably a passport, driving license or Portman Group Prove-It card)
The science bit:
The QMU is a private-members club and as such is limited by law as to who can be allowed into the building to drink or for any other purpose. Any member of the QMU can enter the building without needing to sign-in, as can any member of a student union with which the QMU has a reciprocal agreement (i.e. we have it in writing that they will allow our members to use their facilities as long as we allow their members to use ours). We have a reciprocal agreement with pretty much every single university union in the country, however, we
don't have an agreement with many colleges as we are only permitted to have agreements with establishments that provide a similar range of services (most notably and importantly the sale of alcohol).
Anyone who isn't a student at an establishment we have an agreement with needs to be 'signed in'. To do this you must be a
bona fide guest of someone who is eligible to enter due to student status, as they will be responsible for your actions whilst in the union, and will be subject to disciplinary action if a guest of theirs breaks any rules. You will need photographic I.D (passport, driving license, Portman Group Prove-It card etc.) and be required to enter your name and address in the sign-in book. It's worth noting that we don't ask for I.D. simply to check your age, but also to verify who you actually are, which we are required by law to do due to the type of license we have. It's also worth noting that if you do cause any problems whilst signed into the building, as well as whoever signed you in being subject to discipline, you will most likely be given a permanent ban.
The deal is slightly different for gigs and special events, where we run a 'temporary-membership' system. Ticket holders are asked to fill out a form with their name and address, and for the duration of the event are considered members of the union. They are, however, subject to the same risk of a permanent ban as other guests upon any misbehaviour.
Stating the obvious a bit here, but even if you satisfy the entry requirements, management still reserve the right to refuse entry to anyone if they're drunk, abusive etc. I could ramble forever on this topic but I think that pretty much covers it for now. If I've missed anything out just gimmie a shout and I'll do my best to answer any questions.
