Ex-Hooters boss fined over 'eyesore' orange signs

The former operator of the Liverpool branch of Hooters has been fined after putting up large orange signage at the restaurant and bar, despite planning permission being refused.

The row first began in October 2022 just before the franchise at New Zealand House on Water Street was due to open.

Beauvoir Developments Ltd, which went into administration in January, later appealed in a bid to retain the signs but the city council rejected that as well.

The firm was sentenced in its absence at Sefton Magistrates' Court for the failure to comply with requirements and regulation over the making, retaining or furnishing of documents on two occasions in 2023.

The former mayor of Liverpool had opposed plans for the Hooters franchise - which has been known for employing scantily-clad waitresses - in the city.

Joanne Anderson cited its "infamous sexually objectifying and misogynistic environment".

Despite the opposition, a licence for the UK's second venue for the American business was approved and Beauvoir said it would be "a family-friendly sports restaurant".

However, Liverpool City Council said the planning application for the illuminated signage should be refused on the grounds it would fail to preserve the character and appearance of the building and the Castle Street conservation area.

Magistrates fined Beauvoir Developments – and its director Rachel Tansey – £1,500 with a victim surcharge of £1,200.

They were also ordered to pay costs of £3,505.

Following the business' collapse into administration at the start of the year, a new firm – New Zealand Leisure Ltd – took over the venue.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service understands the council is in discussion with the new proprietors to have the signs removed.

Reacting to the court's decision, Councillor Nick Small, who had previously called the erection of the signs "irresponsible", said: "I'm delighted by the court's decision in favour of the city council.

"These signs are an eyesore and have no place in a conservation area.

"They should be taken down immediately."

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