Hooters has suffered a blow in its plans to open in Liverpool.
The American chain, which serves beer and bar food and employs scantily-clad waitresses, is expected to open a branch in Liverpool soon. It will be located in New Zealand House on Water Street - the site which used to be Newz Bar.
Hooters in Liverpool has split opinion since it was first mooted. Mayor Joanne Anderson is among those who are against its arrival, saying: "Hooters has an infamous sexually objectifying and misogynistic environment".
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But after being granted a license to operate, work has been ongoing at the New Zealand House site, however the plans have hit a stumbling block.
Liverpool Council's planning department have rejected plans for the signs that would be erected at the Hooters venue. The application sought permission to display two illuminated signs, a fixed banner and a new flag outside the restaurant.
City centre councillor Nick Small objected to the planned signs, claiming they would be "belong more in Amsterdam's Red Light District than Liverpool's oldest conservation area." He added: "The proposed signage, banner and flag is bright, gaudy and not within keeping of the character of the area."
In a decision notice rejecting the signage plans, a Liverpool Council report stated: "By virtue of size, design and siting, the proposed illuminated vertical signs, banner sign and flag would fail to preserve the character and appearance of the application building and Castle Street Conservation Area and the setting of adjacent listed buildings."
The report did add that the council wishes to work with the applicant in a "positive and proactive manner in seeking solutions to any problems arising during the course of the application."
Hooters - which has one other UK site in Nottingham and held a recruitment drive in Liverpool this summer - was granted a license to open in Liverpool following a hearing in February.
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