Hooters has been granted a licence to open a restaurant in Liverpool city centre.
Members of Liverpool council’s licensing authority sub-committee gave their approval to applicant Beauvoir Developments Limited to move ahead with proposals to bring a second branch of the US franchise to the city.
The licence has been granted for Hooters to occupy the vacant New Zealand House on Water Street, previously home to Newz Bar, and was given the go-ahead despite concerns from ward members and residents.
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As a result, the venue has been granted permission to operate on Water Street from 11am to 1am Sunday to Thursday and until 2am on weekends.
Karl Barry, licensing consultant speaking on behalf of applicant Rachael Moss of Beauvoir, told the committee that the application was for a “fully fledged restaurant with bar” that would be “family orientated during the day” and would seek to attract more female customers.
Mr Barry told the committee members: “This is not a US company coming in, this is my client who has spent a lot of money on this as an independent business wanting to set up for hers and her family’s future.
“This will be a high level, top class venue to the city, it’s a well known brand.”
He acknowledged that the application had been “controversial” but would represent a “prosperous business that will be beneficial to the area.”
Mr Barry said Mrs Moss “takes her responsibility particularly seriously” and would be leaving her current profession in the legal industry to act as premises supervisor moving forward, and would seek to promote equality in the business.
He added that in the event of local sporting events, security staff would likely be employed and would begin work 30 minutes prior to any event and following discussions with local members, staff would be situated front of house to greet customers.
He said Hooters was a “quality brand despite what others might think” and stressed the venue would act as a restaurant.
“The main thrust is to sell food,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of residents who had sent written objections, Cllr Maria Toolan said the application would bring an “increase in crime and disorder” around Water Street while Cllr Nick Small said situating the restaurant there was the wrong location and it would be better suited in Mathew Street, Concert Square or Victoria Street.
Cllr Small also objected on the grounds of the existing “high quality night time economy” in the area around Water Street and Castle Street, adding: “It’s too late and in the wrong part of town.”
The committee also heard from residents in nearby properties who said they were “justifiably concerned” about noise levels rising and people concerned more with drinking than eating.
Mr Barry said: “We believe we will be good neighbours and approachable at all times.”
In granting the licence, committee chair Cllr Christine Banks said the venue needed to be a “responsible neighbour” as it would be situated in “the most prestigious street in the city.”
The licence will allow Hooters to operate from 7am across the entirety of the Grand National festival in April, as well as providing an extension to hours for all televised international sporting events until 30 minutes after the event.
Merseyside Police did not object to the proposals.
Following the meeting, Mayor Joanne Anderson expressed her disappointment at the decision.
She tweeted: "I’m really disappointed that the license for Hooters has been granted. Government should give local authorities more powers to refuse establishments. Licensing policy is outdated and we need to give communities a greater say in what happens in their areas."
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