It is a sad day when an independent business closes. A neighbouring venue has fallen, and the future of others, including Dempseys, remains uncertain.
Dempseys was closed for sixteen months due to pandemic restrictions, and the first 'normal' Christmas in three years proved disastrous after we voluntarily agreed to close early at weekends for six weeks.
However, we are still here, back to normal trading hours, and will continue to work with South Yorkshire Police to provide a safe environment for our customers.
We have chosen to remain silent about Operation 'Grip' and will do so for now.
Contrary to belief, we fully support the police officers that patrol our streets. They visit regularly, check on the venue, and we have an excellent partnership with them. And we feel reassured by seeing them.
But, we don't accept the statistics from South Yorkshire Police, and are once again unimpressed with media comments from senior officers. We respectfully ask for the evidence that we are still waiting for after nearly two months.
Here's to our staff, customers, friends, and the rank and file police officers... and those unfortunate people who have lost their jobs.
Thank you all for your continued support.
Read QJ's open letter to South Yorkshire Police at
https://www.thegayquarter.co.uk/?fbclid=IwAR1-4ejCzXHWmtu7dKmNyUsBUX8VktMWAUj_taUOMF1-PUcsJQQJkqD60ck
