Sheffield independent makes plea for government to stop 'killing' businesses in Tier 3

A Sheffield independent has urged Prime Minister Boris Johnson to ‘stop killing’ Tier 3 businesses and provide owners with more support during lockdown.
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The Great Escape Game, which has locations in the city centre and Leeds, erected an art installation of two blood-stained hands reaching up out of a drain outside the Sheffield Blood Donor Centre on Church Street.

A passerby noticed the display earlier today, which appears to encourage those in power to provide struggling businesses with more financial support as they navigate Tier 3.

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South Yorkshire entered the ‘very high’ level lockdown on Saturday, October 24 which prevents different households from mixing indoors and in private gardens.

The Great Escape Game in Sheffield urged the Government to provide more support to struggling Tier 3 businesses.The Great Escape Game in Sheffield urged the Government to provide more support to struggling Tier 3 businesses.
The Great Escape Game in Sheffield urged the Government to provide more support to struggling Tier 3 businesses.

Attached to the blood-stained hands was a note from The Great Escape Game which reads: “Name of deceased: Independent business owner.

"Place of death: Sheffield and beyond.

"Date of death: Most recent briefing.

"Cause of death: Boris Johnson.”

The hands were found outside the Sheffield Blood Donor Centre on Church Street.The hands were found outside the Sheffield Blood Donor Centre on Church Street.
The hands were found outside the Sheffield Blood Donor Centre on Church Street.

The Sheffield business on Vicar Street reopened on September 18 with new Covid-19 secure changes to ensure players can stay safe while visiting the escape room.

Customers are now required to book in advance either online or via phone to minimise contact with staff, the site is completely cashless and only accepts card payments.

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The Great Escape Game also introduced digital check-ins for attendees, hand-washing and sanitising stations alongside compulsory Covid-19 secure training for all employees.

In a tweet, the business admitted their political stunt had been inspired by a Merseyside pub which renamed itself ‘The Three Bellends’ after the area was put under ‘very high’ lockdown restrictions.

The art installation was noticed by a passerby earlier today.The art installation was noticed by a passerby earlier today.
The art installation was noticed by a passerby earlier today.

Formerly The James Atherton in New Brighton, the Wirral, changed its name to 'The Three Bellends' - with a sign featuring pictures of Boris Johnson, Dominic Cummings and Matt Hancock.

The Great Escape Game posted: “We laughed at the @HuffPostUK Three Bellend's Pub piece, so thought why not! Hope we made you smile - hope it's going alright for you guys too!”

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Following the rule of six measures which were introduced at the start of September, the business said in a statement: “As a team we adore what we do and see this as an opportunity for our communities to come together and to keep our economy strong.

"Throughout this, please take some time to check in on your friends, family and others around you.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.