Signage proposed for the controversial Liverpool branch of Hooters was described as “cheap and nasty”.
A planning application has been lodged with Liverpool Council for an illuminated sign and material awning outside New Zealand House, Water Street, which is to be home to the hotly contested American chain restaurant. In February, the local authority’s licensing and gambling sub-committee issued Beauvoir Developments with a licence to trade alcohol at New Zealand House as it plans to move ahead with proposals to bring a branch of the US franchise to the city.
Cllr Nick Small, who objected to the licence being awarded earlier this year, said the proposed signage “looks like it belongs more in Amsterdam’s Red Light District”. The currently vacant building on Water Street was previously home to Newz Bar and was given the go-ahead despite concerns from ward members and residents. Applicants Beauvoir told the committee earlier this year the “fully fledged restaurant with bar” would be “family orientated during the day” and would seek to attract more female customers.
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According to the application submitted to Liverpool Council, Beauvoir is seeking to put up two illuminated signs on the front of the building with an awning over the front door. A fixed banner will be sited above the main door below a flag at the top of the building with the Hooters logo and owl mascot.
Cllr Small, who represents the central ward, was scathing in his assessment of the plans. He said: “Notwithstanding the arguments over sexism around Hooters, this proposed signage is awful.
“It looks like it belongs more in Amsterdam’s Red Light District than Liverpool’s internationally-renowned Castle Street Conservation Area. This cheap and nasty signage should be rejected out of hand.”
According to planning documents submitted by Wroot Design Ltd on behalf of Beauvoir Developments, the community around Water Street has not been consulted on the proposed signage nor has the agent sought advice from Liverpool Council. During the February licensing hearing, it was said that despite concerns, Hooters would “represent a prosperous business that will be beneficial to the area.”
Applicant Rachel Moss, of Beauvoir Developments, would be leaving her current profession in the legal industry to act as premises supervisor moving forward, and would seek to promote equality in the business, according to licensing agent Karl Barry, who spoke on behalf of Mrs Moss during the February hearing. The venue was met with scorn from Mayor of Liverpool Joanne Anderson who said she was disappointed Hooters had been granted a licence.
A date for the plans to be heard is yet to be confirmed.
