Liverpool has had its fair share of venues that have caused controversy over the years.
From Coyote Ugly on Bold Street complete with people dancing on the bar, the cafe inspired by Margaret Thatcher in 1970s Allerton or The PlayGround club on Thomas Steers Way, which became a haunt for celebrities, the city is no stranger to the odd head-turning hospitality hotspots. One particular site however caused a stir like no other this time 12 months ago as Hooters began its journey from the US to Water Street.
On February 15, Liverpool Council’s licensing and gambling sub-committee granted a premises licence to Beauvoir Developments Limited to bring a second branch of the popular US franchise to the city. The brand occupies the vacant New Zealand House on Water Street, previously home to Newz Bar, and was given the go-ahead despite concerns from ward members, residents and political leaders.
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Mayor of Liverpool Joanne Anderson hit out at the plans, criticising Hooters’ “infamous sexually objectifying and misogynistic environment” while Emily Spurrell, Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner, said the venue would “undermine our efforts to tackle misogyny and the objectification of women.” Karl Barry, licensing consultant speaking on behalf of applicant Rachel 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 women.
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.”
The business has had a mixed existence before and after opening its doors to punters. Days before its grand opening in November, a complaint was lodged by neighbouring businesses at Oriel Chambers who complained about noise coming from an extractor at the back of New Zealand House.
Paola Paulucci, who set up the Flour May Fly business with her late fiance Andy, said she feared she would have to relocate her shop as a result. Despite the outcry, Rachel Moss, Hooters’ managing director, said the business had done nothing wrong.
She said: “The equipment is legally allowed to be there, we didn’t install it. It’s been there since 2015 and is a lawful, highly regulated piece of equipment.” Weeks later, the venue was on course to butt heads with Liverpool Council after two illuminated signs it wanted to put up to advertise the new restaurant were rejected.
But this didn't stop Hooters, who went and put them up anyway. Liverpool Council warned failure to remove the signage would lead to potential prosecution leading to Ms Moss hitting back again, saying the decision was “unfair.”
She added: “It’s been predictable that we faced prejudice because of what the business is. We chuckled to ourselves really, all this has done is reaffirm that we would face prejudice.
“It’s played right into our hands, especially when similar things have been granted over the road. It’s just an eye rolling exercise for us, but we understand the process and have lodged our appeal.”
There is no record of an appeal lodged on the Planning Inspectorate website. Police were called to the venue in January this year after scenes of an unsavoury nature unfolded with a member of the public.
Half a dozen police officers responded to a call at the restaurant after reports of individuals acting aggressively towards staff. Ms Moss claimed a woman burst in and was acting in an abusive manner towards staff.
She claimed the woman “coughed in my face and said she was full of infection.” Ms Moss added: “We asked her to leave but she jumped on a bar stool. The police responded so quickly and brilliantly.”
A 39-year-old woman, from Liverpool, was arrested on suspicion of common assault and a public order offence. She was taken to a Merseyside police station for questioning and has since been bailed. There were no reports of any injuries.
The restaurant proudly declares itself the world’s biggest branch of the restaurant chain and with talk of further sites coming to the UK, could prove to be something of a trend setter in years to come.
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