Hooters go-ahead despite objections
CONTROVERSIAL plans to open a Hooters restaurant and bar – where scantily-clad women will serve customers – at Salford Quays have been given the goahead.
The decision flies in the face of fierce local opposition, including from both the Salford city mayor Paul Dennett and Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham.
Trafford and Stretford MP Rebecca Long-Bailey, MP for Worsley and Eccles South Barbara Keeley, and the Women’s Equality Party also opposed the opening of the American chain’s outlet. Three councillors on the licensing panel listened to arguments for and against.
There were a total of 91 objections to the application made in the name of Julian Mills, who has run the Nottingham Hooters for 21 years. The restaurant and bar, at 3 Capital Quay, Trafford Road, will open from 9am to 11.30pm seven days a week, after Mr Mills’ legal team announced the application had been scaled back from a 1am closing time.
Mr Mills was flanked by current and former female employees of Hooters, who spoke in favour of the application.
Also present was Cheryl Kish, chief people officer for the American parent company HAO Brands, and Rachael Moss, who will manage the soon-to-open Liverpool Hooters outlet.
Speaking to the panel, Ms Moss dismissed claims that the brand was ‘objectifying and exploiting’ women. “I am a mother with three children, two of which are small girls, and a qualified barrister,” she said. “The Hooters brand is empowering and celebrating beautiful, strong women.”
Gemma Aitchison, of Yes Matters and the Greater Manchester Woman and Girls Equality Panel, added: “I’m not surprised by the decision because often business gets a higher priority than the safety of women and girls.”
The chairman of the licensing panel, Coun John Warmisham, said: “Opinion and personal choice are not relevant or legitimate reasons to refuse an application and decisions are made by the Licensing Panel after careful consideration.”
Following the decision, Mr Mills told the M.E.N: “My team and I are absolutely delighted to be opening in Salford Quays and working in the city. With great food, service and sports, Hooters is a restaurant for everyone. We’re all looking forward to opening the doors and welcoming you all soon.”