The Cardiff Feminist Network has launched a campaign against the opening of a 'Hooters' restaurant in the city, Wales Online reported. 'Hooters' is a US restaurant chain and gets its name from their trademark cheerleader-like waitresses.
William McTaggart, who owns the UK Hooters franchise, described the skimpy uniform, comprised of orange hotpants and a low-cut top, as a “wholesome, cheerleader look”. The restaurant, which the reporter calls 'sexy', is common in cities across the US, but there is currently only one in the UK, in Nottingham.
The city feminists are planning to stage a protest outside Cardiff City Hall on Wednesday, when they will present a petition to the council’s licensing bosses. The Cardiff Feminist Network believes Hooters would be a step backwards for equality in the city and claims its waitresses are “sexually exploited”. Organiser Sally Hughes said they would be collecting signatures condemning the proposal outside John Lewis on Wednesday morning.
Mr McTaggart, however, said many people had the wrong impression of Hooters and added that "the people that make those claims have not been to Hooters". Responding to claims that Hooters exploits its all-female serving staff, he added, "“That is the brand, that’s all I can really say."
The deadline for objections to Cardiff council is tomorrow and the application will be considered by the licensing committee on September 3. Hope some of WVoN readers from Cardiff are willing to 'try out' the Hooters and join in the protest!
