500 Signatures Delivered Against Hooters in Dedham

Tonight, opponents of the opening of Hooters in the town of Dedham delivered a petition of over 500 signatures to the Board of Selectmen. The Hooters' proposed location is at the former location of Summer Shack at the entrance to Legacy Place on Route 1. Hooters was before the Board of Selectmen seeking a transfer of a liquor license.

Representatives from Hooter were present at the public hearing to explain their procedures to insure adequate safeguards in reference to appropriate use of alcohol including extensive training of staff. However, in their presentation to the Board, the business owners failed to discuss a business model built around the image of the "Hooter girl."

The town's legal counsel present at the meeting cited Ballarin, Inc versus Boston Licensing Board that outlines legal precedent that the Board could use in making its decision. The case outlines that a licensing board can make an assessment based on the factors of public want, the appropriateness of a liquor license at a particular location, the number of licenses in the area, traffic, noise, and the reputation of the applicant.

During public comment, opponents of the Hooters' location presented many arguments to the Selectmen including the following:

• Hooters has a long history of complaints and suits from former employees alleging gender, racial, and weight discrimination.
• The business model of Hooters is based on sexual exploitation of women. The Dedham community does not welcome a business based upon that model. Concern for the messages promoted by Hooters and their impact on the town's children both boys and girls were expressed.
• Traffic is severely congested at that location on Route One and at the entrance and exit of Legacy Place.
• At least 13 liquor licenses already exist in that particular area.
• Preference for the limited number of licenses should be given to local small owned business in other areas of town in need of economic development.
• The location has already hosted two failed restaurants. The location is currently under study to be possibly zoned for other purposes.

After public comment, representatives from Hooters declined the opportunity to respond to residents' concerns.

The Board of Selectmen took the information under advisement and will vote at a meeting in the future whether to issue the liquor license.

Resident not able to attend the meeting can represent their concerns to the Dedham Board of Selectmen by emailing using the following addresses:

• Board of Selectmen-Email freshideas@dedham-ma.gov
• Michael L. Butler, Chairman, mbutler@dedham-ma.gov
• Dennis J. Guilfoyle, Vice Chairman, dguilfoyle@dedham-ma.gov
• James A. MacDonald, jmacdonald@dedham-ma.gov
• Dennis J. Teehan, Jr., dteehan@dedham-ma.gov
• Brendan G. Keogh, Brendan.keogh@verizon.net