AS protests grow over plans to bring the American boobs-and-beer bar Hooters to Sheffield's Leopold Square, the company has taken down its British website.
"Delightfully tacky yet unrefined" was the boast of www.hooters-uk.com
Developers Ask are having problems filling the last remaining unit, a large space above the Zizzi Italian-themed restaurant.
Protesters have claimed the bar, which features bu
sty waitresses in tight white T-shirts and short orange shorts, would bring the wrong image and the wrong customers to the square.
The chain, which has over 400 outlets in 20 countries around the world but only one in Britain (in Nottingham), also runs topless model competitions and has its own airline.
What do you think? Should Hooters be allowed to open a bar in Sheffield? Post your comment below.In the States the company handbook has required waitresses to sign a form stating they accept "the Hooters concept is based on female sex appeal and the work environment is one in which joking and sexual innuendo based on female sex appeal is commonplace. I do not find my job duties, uniform requirements, or work environment to be offensive, intimidating, hostile, or unwelcome."
Now city councillor Tim Rippon, responsible for economic regeneration, planning and culture, has weighed in.
He says the council shares the concerns of objectors.
"While we accept that Ask have faced some difficulties in letting this space, we feel strongly that the proposed bar is not appropriate for this location," he says.
READ MORERestaurants: Martin Dawes reviews the Mangla on Sheffield's Spital Hill.Your letters.
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