Marks and Spencer support new 'Hooters' in Bristol

[JessinAvalon]

Dear all
(I've posted this under the feminism list but it's been suggested that I post it here as well.)

I live in Bristol and, last week, 'Hooters' was granted a licence to open in the city centre. The site is virtually opposite 3 apartment blocks, the lower floors of which are social housing and children are living in them.

What's most disappointing is that Marks and Spencer are leasing the site to 'Hooters'. They have been e-mailed by many concerned people to ask if they will reconsider leasing the building but they have just replied saying it is a "commercial decision" (as if that makes it ok!). In Sheffield, a 'Hooters' didn't even make it to application stage because the developer (Ask Pizza) realised that it would be better not to be associated with a company like 'Hooters'.

Marks and Spencer don't seem that concerned, however. Although they have signed up to the "Let Girls Be Girls" Mumsnet campaign they are not concerned about a company which sells merchandise including babygros which say "Future Hooters Girl" and "Does my butt look big in this?"

I have written to Marks and Spencer telling them that I won't be shopping in their stores again. If you feel strongly about this, please e-mail:

[email protected].

'Hooters' tries to sell itself as a family friendly restaurant but it is anything but. The Hooters in Nottingham attracts mainly stag parties and football fans. Hooters Girls take part in bikini contests and iced wet t-shirt competitions (the t-shirts are put in the freezers before the girls wear them). 'Hooters' has links to Playboy magazine....I could go on.....

I think Marks and Spencer should be shamed for facilitating this company's expansion into Bristol. They are selling women and girls down the river by leasing to this company and all just to make a "quick buck". As one former customer said to them, being a hitman is a "commercial decision" but it doesn't make it right!

Thanks everyone.

We have a petition here which we set up and a blog here which is recording articles etc and news on the Bristol Hooters.

No and never will be if some of the posters on these boards have their way.

Overreact much?

I wont be posting on the feminist thread though. The outrage has been manipulated up to deafening already, and the few voices of opposing reason have been stepped on quite effectively.

I'll add though, that there is no way any of you are going to stop shopping in M&S. I know it, you know it, and Stuart Rose knows it

CCPCP - I'm still not clear on why you think it's ok. You've said it's harmless but have not said why.

Maybe some people won't stop, but I ordered the boys school trousers this pm and chose to go to John Lewis instead of M&S.

I don't buy clothes in there but did buy food. I won't be going in there again.

ccpccp - you're wrong to say that no-one will stop shopping there, how could you possibly know. I'm happy to boycott stores on principle and I'm sure I'm not the only one.

Unless you have very specific requirements there's not many shops that you can't find an alternative to.

I went somewhere else to get PJs yesterday as well.

PMSL at "are you a shareholder?"

"No and never will be if some of the posters on these boards have their way."

so sad! I'm sure you can buy shares in the UK company if your heart's that set on a- pony-- investing in sexist exploitathons.

I am fully aware that my little contribution (or lack thereof now) would not keep Sir Stuart Rose / Marc Bolland awake at night, but many small acts can have a big effect, and brand image is not something to ignore.

I would be surprised if they don't at least consider the impact this might have on the image they're trying to portray. Most businesses, whatever they publicly say, care most about making money. Alienating your target market is not a good business decision.

what if M&S have already signed the contract and they can't get out of it without Hooters suing their arse off?
is that likely?

I wonder who advised M&S on this - who honestly thought that it would be a good idea in the 21st century to lease to something as antiquated and puerile as Hooters, believing that it wouldn't bring them adverse publicity? I like to think it was a boardroom full of 21 year old boys wearing cheap Burton suits thinking it would be a right old larf - but suspect it was probably the 40 somethings in their slightly more expensive gear with one eye on their commission. Urgh.

seth I think that it is very likely that they can't get out, but there is a chance that they are at "heads of terms" stage and will back out.

Hardly at head of terms stage if a licence has been granted already

But the agreement to lease may have been dependant upon them getting the license approved - in which case final contracts might not yet be signed and would have thought either party may be able to walk away. Here's hoping.....

If you look at the OP pooka you will see that the licence has been granted - anyway would be pretty difficult to apply for a licence without premises do you not think?

I've signed a petition and i'm sending it on to people.
I don't bother with M&S at the best of times and i won't be anytime in the future either.
Not going to bother to say what i think of 'Hooters' but it's sad that women want to work there and sadder still that some women want to defend it.I think children's charities should step in and stop kids being taken into sickening places like that,it is NO place for a family, anyone who takes their kids their is obv a 'great' parent
Couples who go there too is that really what some people do for 'fun' or 'kicks' get served by some women with her boobs out
And the men....yuk

brushing aside the anti American crap on here, have just spoken to someone who was at the meeting and apparently the Council executive did not publicize the application so local residents could have their say.

So, perhaps worth reviewing appeal procedures?

Message back from Stephen Williams:

Stephen WilliamsSeptember 14, 2010 at 8:21am
Re: Hooters in Bristol
Claire
I agree with you. I think this is a really bad decision by the council's licensing committee. It is their decision and I can't overturn it. I think all that can be done now is making sure Hooters keep to the conditions of their application agreement.
Best
Stephen

:(

That's not true - my MP has written to Bristol City Council and the police can appeal the decision. Bit of a cop out by Steven Williams, I think.

It is for the applicant to put up the notices on the building and in the local paper. Are you sure this was not done?