A petition opposing controversial plans for a Hooters in Liverpool city centre has been launched, branding the bar “an archaic and chauvinistic brand”.
The launch of the online petition comes after the plans prompted angry responses from the Mayor of Liverpool and Merseyside's Police and Crime Commissioner.
It calls on Liverpool Council to deny a licensing application by the US chain in relation to New Zealand House in Water Street in the city centre.
READ MORE: Mayor blasts Hooters' plan for city centre bar
The petition, set up by Labour councillor Maria Toolan, was shared ahead of a licensing hearing scheduled for Tuesday, February 15.
It claims that the bar, if given the go ahead, will attract a “narrow unwanted demographic” and lead to increased anti-social behaviour.
The chain is well known in the US for offering beer and bar food, often served by scantily-clad waitresses.
Cllr Toolan initially objected to the proposals in a letter to city centre residents alongside Central ward colleague Cllr Nick Small.
She has now set up the online form for residents wishing to add their names to the list of opponents.
The petition says: “Hooters is an archaic and chauvinistic brand and this type of venue is no longer reflective of today's society.
“Hooters employs women to promote its business activities in an exploitative manner, it demeans and degrades women and undermines female equality.
“We believe it will attract interest from a narrow unwanted demographic and will cause increased anti-social behaviour.
“We have the support of our Mayor, Police Commissioner, MPs and local residents and we hope we can rely on yours. Please show your solidarity by signing our petition.”
Cllr Small said the proposed bar could undermine the existing night time economy around Water Street.
He said: “Residents are very concerned about the brand and that it will attract stag dos and football parties and if it is the right part of the city centre for that.”
Last week, Mayor Joanne Anderson tweeted her anger at the proposed bar, describing Hooters as having an “infamous sexually objectifying and misogynistic environment” while Merseyside PCC Emily Spurrell said: "A Hooters bar only works to undermine our efforts to tackle misogyny & the objectification of women.”
Hooters was approached for comment.
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