The woman behind Liverpool’s controversial Hooters restaurant has hit back at critics amid a row over signage outside the building and potential prosecution.
Despite a public outcry against the US chain, including from city Mayor Joanne Anderson, it opened its second UK location on Water Street in November. It has now been met with criticism from city councillors over two large neon orange signs placed outside New Zealand House.
Planning permission for the signage was rejected, but this didn’t stop Hooters, who have put up the structures anyway. As revealed earlier this week, the business has been warned that it may face prosecution if it does not comply with the city council ’s requests to take down the signs as they have been deemed unauthorised.
READ MORE: Paramedics and ambulance staff strike in Liverpool latest as workers join picket lines
Responding to the furore around the signage, Rachael Moss, Hooters Liverpool's managing director said she wasn’t concerned about the signs and claimed to have not received any written correspondence from Liverpool Council. She said: “We have the right to appeal and we have followed all the rules and regulations.
“It’s unfair. We were refused a canopy and told we couldn’t have a flag but there’s a flagpole on top of the building.”
According to an email seen by the ECHO, the city council has issued a second request to Hooters that warned if action is not taken within 14 days, officials will “cause a prosecution to be instigated.” The email added that the council “do not intend to do nothing” in relation to the offending signs, and it will “take appropriate action in a timely manner.”
Ms Moss said the nature of Hooters meant it would always be targeted by opponents. She said: “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.”
Ms Moss claimed she had hosted “lots” of city councillors since the venue opened in November but had yet to have any conversations with ward members Cllrs Nick Small or Christine Banks. Cllr Small has been a strong opponent of the signs, branding them “unlawful” and called on Hooters to be “better corporate citizens.”
Ms Moss said: “Anyone who has anything negative to say about Hooters has never been.”
Receive newsletters with the latest news, sport and what's on updates from the Liverpool ECHO by signing up here
READ NEXT:
Desperate mum living in rat infested house breaks down in tears
Nurse fights back tears as she shares harrowing conditions on wards
Road cordoned off by police after woman hit by bus
Virgin Media warns customers never to put WiFi router in certain room
Moment 'scumbag' women decide to steal from shop days before Christmas
