News that a Hooters restaurant will be coming to Liverpool City Centre has been met with a mixed reception.
Liverpool Council’s licensing and gambling sub-committee gave the go-ahead for the American brand to open a branch in New Zealand House on Water Street this week.
It will occupy the former Newz Bar premises and become the second Hooters location in the UK, after Nottingham first welcomed the chain more than 20 years ago.
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Karl Barry, on behalf of applicant Rachael Moss of Beauvoir Developments Limited, stressed to the councillors determining its fate that the new venue would be a “fully fledged restaurant with bar” that would be “family orientated during the day” and would seek to attract more female customers.
Objections had been lodged by councillors and residents alike on grounds of noise, potential anti-social behaviour issues and the siting of the restaurant.
More than 1,000 people have had their say on the move, with opinions divided on Hooters coming to the city centre.
Of the 347 respondents to the ECHO’s survey, 209 people said they were not against the restaurant setting up in Liverpool, while 133 objected.
More than 800 comments were also left on the ECHO Facebook page.
One survey participant said the restaurant represented another leading chain coming to the city, they said: “Worldwide famous brand wants to open in Liverpool and attract more jobs and visitors and as always the do gooders want to block it.
"Just read reviews from the States of people who have been and say it’s a family-friendly environment.”
Increased revenue for Liverpool and the impact on tourism was the reason for one responder to back the plans as they said: “The business will bring in job opportunities, and could encourage groups to visit from the wider area and bring in money for the city.”
Another added: “I can't see what the issue is. The ladies choose to work there so that's their choice. It's not degrading to females.”
One said: “Liverpool is a big city. Big cities cater for every taste. Empowering women gives them the opportunity to wear whatever clothing they want. No one is forcing people to work or visit Hooters. It's freedom of choice.”
The demand for bars of Hooters’ ilk was a topic of debate for one resident: “It's a restaurant that serves nice food.
"People who are opposed are all going for the soundbite of the concept being outdated, but fast food sports bars are just as in demand as ever. Why not bring an internationally recognised bar that increases visibility to the city and create jobs?”
The licence granted by the council will allow Hooters to operate on Water Street from 11am to 1am Sunday to Thursday and until 2am on weekends.
Across the entirety of the Grand National festival in April, the venue can open from 7am, 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.
That hasn’t given much comfort to those who did not approve of the chain coming to Liverpool.
One person said: “As well as being degrading to women, Hooters is a cheap, tatty bar chain with no class, no edge, no style. It will be an embarrassment to the city.”
Another added: “Sexist and backwards, the type of place you expect in Blackpool not Liverpool.”
The siting of the location was an additional issue for one person who responded to our survey: “An outdated sexist brand designed to attract drunks and stag dos. Would even look out of place in Concert Square, let alone in a more residential area like Water Street.”
Another person was concerned about the perception the venue would give to those visiting Liverpool: “Our city has so much to offer and this just seems to lower the tone. I've read so many positive comments from visitors to the city lately, they didn't realise how lovely it was.
"Why are we ruining it with Hooters and stag/hen parties? It's all a bit backward thinking.”
In granting the licence, committee chair, Cllr Christine Banks, said the proprietors needed to be a “responsible neighbour” as it would be situated in “the most prestigious street in the city.”
Mayor Joanne Anderson expressed her disappointment at the decision on Twitter, saying local authorities needed “more powers to refuse establishments” and claimed licensing policy is “outdated” with a need to give communities a greater say in what happens in their areas.
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