Leeds University Union (LUU) is at the heart of campus life — hosting events, gigs, club nights, and spaces where thousands of students come together each week. We’re committed to making sure you can enjoy everything LUU offers in a safe, respectful, and supportive environment.
We work in close partnership with the University of Leeds Security Service, West Yorkshire Police, and local partners — and we also operate our own, highly trained, SIA licensed LUU security team, run independently from campus security, dedicated to safeguarding you inside our venues.
In return, we ask everyone to play their part: look out for yourself and others and follow our Code of Conduct.
Safety Measures and Support
Security Services
- LUU Security Team – SIA licensed, highly trained professionals, independent from campus security, on duty during all LUU opening times.
- SafeZone app – free to download; instantly connects you to campus security for urgent or nonurgent help.
- CCTV network – monitored and recording throughout all LUU venues, public spaces and back of house areas.
- Police Liaison Officer – based on campus to support students and investigate incidents.
- Lost property – handled via both the Campus Security Office and LUU Helpdesk.
- 24/7 University Security Service – campus patrols by uniformed security officers.
Nighttime Safety Initiatives
- LUU Night Bus – Free late-night transport service. Taking customers from LUU to their home address (anywhere within the Leeds outer ring road area). Keep scrolling for more information about our Night Bus!
- Veezu – Safe Rides for University of Leeds Students: To support University of Leeds students needing a taxi, Veezu has partnered with LUU to offer a Safe Rides Scheme. This service provides emergency transport for students who find themselves stuck, unable to pay and in need of a ride home.
- Wellbeing Event Reps – supporting students in our venues during club-nights and other major events. Offering confidential listening, incident reporting guidance and specialist signposting.
Event & Venue Safety
- SIA Licenced Security presence Welfare trained, SIA licenced, security staff present at all events, monitoring safety within the site and carrying out ID checks and searches on entry.
- First aiders on site during LUU opening hours and medically trained staff at large events.
- Zero tolerance for harassment, abuse, violence, weapons, or illegal substances.
The Night Bus
Catch the Night Bus on the ground floor of the LUU building. Head over to the foyer, find the staircase leading to Old Bar, and you’ll see a bus stop in front of our ‘Wall of Fame,’ (See below!) This is where the bus driver will come in to pick you up.
The Night Bus runs to homes within the Leeds Outer Ring Road- this includes areas such as: Headingley, Holbeck, and ever Stanningley. As you get on, the bus driver will note everyone’s destination (within the Outer Ring Road) and create a route for your journey.
Timetable:
NOTE: Night Bus only runs during term time.
Monday | 8:00pm – Midnight
Tuesday | 8:00pm – Midnight
Wednesday | 8:00pm – Midnight
Thursday | 8:00pm – 1:00am
Friday | 7:00pm – 4:00am
Saturday | 8:00pm – 1:00am
Sunday | 7:00pm – 11:00-pm
WAVE Trained Security Staff
At LUU, your safety and wellbeing come first. That’s why our security and venue teams are trained in WAVE – Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement.
What Is WAVE?
WAVE training helps our staff:
- Recognise signs of vulnerability, distress, or unsafe situations.
- Respond with care, discretion, and professionalism.
- Support anyone who feels unsafe, unwell, or at risk.
Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, worried about a friend, or unsure what to do—you’re not alone.
“Ask for Angela”
LUU is an ‘Ask for Angela’ accredited venue, and our staff are trained in what to do should you approach them requiring assistance.
If you ever feel unsafe or need help:
- Go to the bar or speak to a member of staff.
- Ask for Angela – it’s a discreet code that lets us know you need support.
- We’ll help you get to a safe space, contact friends, or arrange further help.
No questions. No judgment. Just support.
Stay Safe from Spiking: What You Need to Know
Drink Spiking Prevention at LUU
Your safety is our priority. If you’re ever concerned that your drink may have been tampered with, or you want extra peace of mind while enjoying your night, we’ve got you covered.
Drink Spiking Test Kits
If you believe your drink has been spiked:
- Speak to a member of our security or bar team immediately.
- We can test your drink using a rapid-response kit that detects common substances like GHB and Ketamine.
- You’ll receive support throughout, and we’ll help you report the incident if needed.
These kits are discreet, fast, and handled by trained staff. We take every report seriously.
Drink Toppers & Spikeys
To help prevent drink tampering:
- Spikeys: Bottle stoppers with a straw hole that seal your drink and deter interference.
- Drink Toppers: Covers for cups, glasses, and cans—single-use, tamper-evident, and straw-friendly.
You can grab these for free at:
- Bar counters
- Welfare stations
- On request from the security team
What is Spiking?
Spiking is when someone adds drugs or alcohol to your drink without your knowledge. It can also happen via injection or other methods. It’s illegal, dangerous, and never your fault.
How to Protect Yourself
- Never leave your drink unattended.
- Don’t accept drinks from strangers.
- Use drink covers and Spikeys—ask at the bar.
- Stick with friends and look out for each other.
- Trust your instincts—if something feels off, speak to staff.
If You Think You’ve Been Spiked
- Tell a member of staff or security immediately.
- Keep hold of your drink—LUU security can test it and pass it to police as evidence.
- We’ll help you get medical support and stay safe.
- We’ll contact your friends or help you get home.
- We’ll preserve evidence and report it to the police.
Our Promise
- We take spiking seriously.
- We’ll support you without judgment.
- We’ll always act and report incidents.
- We’ll assist you with any police reports should you wish to make one.
- We’re working with police and safety partners to keep our venues safe.
Zero Tolerance
Spiking is a crime. If you see something suspicious, report it. Help us protect each other.
Searches
We want everyone to feel safe, respected, and welcome at our venues. Here’s how we help protect you and your night out:
Searches on Entry
To keep our spaces safe:
- Security staff carry out bag checks or personal searches at entry points.
- These are conducted respectfully and professionally, with your consent.
- You can request a search to be done by someone of the gender by which you identify.
- Refusing a search may result in being denied entry.
We follow strict SIA guidelines to ensure searches are fair, non-intrusive, and focused on safety—not judgment.
CCTV Monitoring
Our venues are equipped with CCTV cameras to:
- Monitor crowd safety and prevent incidents.
- Support investigations if something goes wrong.
- Protect both customers and staff.
CCTV footage is stored securely and only accessed when necessary, in line with UK data protection laws.
Body Worn Cameras
Some of our security staff wear Body Worn Cameras:
- These record video and audio during incidents or interactions.
- They help ensure transparency and accountability.
- Recordings are stored securely and used only when needed.
You’ll know when a camera is recording – staff will inform you, and a visible light will be activated.
LUU Venue Behaviour Expectations
At Leeds University Union, we’re committed to creating safe, inclusive, and enjoyable spaces for all students and guests. To help make that happen, we ask everyone attending our club nights and events to treat others—and our venues—with respect.
Unacceptable Behaviour
LUU has a zero-tolerance approach to:
- Drugs
- Aggressive or abusive behaviour toward staff.
- Spiking or possession of illegal substances.
- Violence or intimidation of any kind.
If your behaviour falls short of our standards, you may:
- Be removed from the venue.
- Receive a ban ranging from 4 weeks to a permanent lifetime exclusion.
- Have the incident reported to the police or the University.
Examples of Behaviour That Will Lead to Removal and Possible Ban
- Intimidating or abusive conduct
- Sexual harassment
- Pushing, shoving, or physical aggression
- Throwing drinks, bottles, or other items
- Irresponsible or reckless behaviour
- Refusing to follow staff instructions
- Possession of weapons or illegal substances
- Spiking or attempting to spike others
All incidents are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and further action may be taken depending on severity.
Need Support?
If you feel unsafe or witness concerning behaviour:
- Speak to a member of our security or venue team.
- We’ll listen, support you, and take appropriate action.
LUU is here to make sure everyone can enjoy their night out safely. Thanks for helping us keep our venues welcoming for all.
Queue Management
Our events are popular- and we love that!
To keep things safe and smooth:
- You may need to queue to gain entry.
- We carry out security checks as part of our entry conditions.
- Please be patient and respectful to fellow students and staff.
- Our team is working hard to get you to the dance floor ASAP.
Let’s keep the energy positive from the moment you arrive.
Leaving Our Venues
When it’s time to head home:
- Leave calmly and respectfully.
- Follow instructions from our security team.
- Be mindful of local residents and noise levels.
Personal Safety Tips
- Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
- Stay with friends after dark and use well-lit routes.
- Don’t leave drinks unattended.
- Lock doors and windows in accommodation.
- Register valuables with Immobilise.
Reporting & Help
- Emergencies: 999
- LUU Security: 07928 614733
- Email LUU Security: security@luu.ac.uk
- Campus Security: 0113 343 2222
- LUU Help & Support: Visit the Help Desk in the LUU foyer or online.
- Harassment & Misconduct team: Confidential advice & reporting.
Feedback
We regularly review safety measures and welcome suggestions. Speak to the LUU Help & Support team or find more information on the LUU website.
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