HOOTERS TO OPEN AT SALFORD QUAYS DESPITE FIERCE OPPOSITION

Despite 91 objections and opposition from Salford's Mayor, MP Rebecca Long-Bailey, MP Barbara Keeley and members of the Womens Equality Party, controversial plans to open a branch of the controversial Hooters Bar at Salford Quays has been passed by planners.

The premises at number 3 Capital Quay was granted a licence to operate between the hours of 9am and 11:30pm seven days a week, after an initial plan to open until 1am was scaled back.

As part of the conditions of the licence there will be no external speakers allowed at the unit, the number of seats available inside will be no more than doubled and noise levels are required to be kept to a minimum so as not to disrupt nearby premises. Staff will also be required to collect litter on a regular basis from around the premises. No unaccompanied children will be allowed on the premises. Food and drink must be consumed within the premises with no seating allowed outside.

The Hooters chain has been accused of outdated views which exploit and objectify women by campaigners, who include Male Allies Against Sexism, Yes Matters, WomanChester and the Women's Equality Party.

Proponents in favour of the Bar claim that the Hooters brand empowers and celebrates beautiful strong women.

Regardless, it was the law which decided the outcome with Salford Council required to consider the application in a process set out in legislation.

The panel determined that the venue should be granted a licence.

Panel Chair, Councillor John Warmisham, said:

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"There has been considerable public interest in the application for the opening of a Hooters bar and restaurant at Salford Quays. Salford City Council’s Licensing Panel considered the application on Friday 10 June.

"Salford City Council as a licensing authority has a requirement 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."

 

A poll undertaken on our own social media page indicates that just 16% of those asked if the chain should be allowed to open a bar and restaurant in Salford said No, with 32% in favour and a majority 51% saying they were Not Fussed. The majority of votes overall were cast by women with just 11 cast by women placed in the No category. 

Admittedly the number of votes cast was not proportionate to Salford as a whole but it is interesting indicator to see a large number of women openly in favour.