US restaurant and bar chain Hooters has gained consent for a third UK venue despite fierce local objections in Manchester claiming the chain is regressive and exploitative of its female staff.
Salford city council this week backed plans for the restaurant and bar, at 3 Capital Quay, Trafford Road, Salford Quays. The US chain is known for employing waitresses dressed in running gear and low-cut tops to serve customers and is named after a slang US term for breasts.
The Manchester Evening News reports there were a total of 91 objections to the application, made in the name of Jullian Mills who has run the Nottingham-based Hooters chain for the last 21 years, variously arguing that the concept was exploitative towards women, sexist and regressive.
Opponents to the opening included the Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, Salford and Eccles MP Rebecca Long-Bailey, the Women's Equality Party, and Barbara Keeley, MP for Worsely and Eccles South.
The MEN says Cheryl Kish, chief people officer for the American-based parent company HAO Brands, and Rachael Moss, who will manage the soon-to-open Liverpool Hooters outlet, were present to defend the chain.
Ms Moss reportedly argued: "I am a mother with three children, two of which are small girls, and a qualified barrister.
"The Hooters brand is empowering and celebrating beautiful, strong women. We thrive on making people happy and I am happy to take my children there. I am proud to be part of this venture."
Sam Johnson, from the Women's Equality Party, was quoted as describing the consent as "not unexpected".
The MEN reported Johnson saying: "Objecting to applications such as these is a difficult process and not a common thing. It's not easy for people to think of how they would object.
"There are many deeply entrenched sexist stereotypes you are not going to undo at one hearing."
The chairman of the licensing panel, Councillor John Warmisham reportedly explained the decision, saying: "Salford City Council as a licensing authority is required by law to process a premises licence application. The process is set out in legislation and government guidance with opportunities for interested parties to make representations.
"The decision to grant or refuse a premises licence application or the imposition of any conditions to a licence must be within the parameters of the licensing objectives. 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."