This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/west_midlands/7885311.stm

The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Pizza firm defends halal outlet Pizza firm defends halal outlet
(2 days later)
The Domino's pizza chain has defended a decision to give the go-ahead for a halal-only outlet which does not offer its customers ham or bacon.The Domino's pizza chain has defended a decision to give the go-ahead for a halal-only outlet which does not offer its customers ham or bacon.
Some customers in Hall Green, Birmingham, have claimed the new policy discriminates against non-Muslims.Some customers in Hall Green, Birmingham, have claimed the new policy discriminates against non-Muslims.
The firm said it had "thought long and hard" about not offering pork products at the store, which serves an area with a large Muslim population.The firm said it had "thought long and hard" about not offering pork products at the store, which serves an area with a large Muslim population.
It added there were "alternatives, such as turkey ham".It added there were "alternatives, such as turkey ham".
Halal is meat from animals that have been slaughtered in accordance with Sharia law.Halal is meat from animals that have been slaughtered in accordance with Sharia law.
'Large number''Large number'
Items on the menu include halal spicy beef sausage, roast and tandoori chicken, halal pepperoni and halal cured turkey.Items on the menu include halal spicy beef sausage, roast and tandoori chicken, halal pepperoni and halal cured turkey.
The outlet was the first in the country to offer its pizzas to customers who prefer to eat halal, Domino's added. We appreciate we cannot please everybodye Domino's Pizza spokeswoman The outlet was the first in the country to offer its pizzas to customers who prefer to eat halal, Domino's added. We appreciate we cannot please everybody Domino's Pizza spokeswoman
The company said it was sure it was the right decision and the store was accredited by the Halal Food Authority.The company said it was sure it was the right decision and the store was accredited by the Halal Food Authority.
A spokeswoman said: "In that particular area of Birmingham there are a large number of Muslims so there is naturally more of a demand for halal-based products.A spokeswoman said: "In that particular area of Birmingham there are a large number of Muslims so there is naturally more of a demand for halal-based products.
"We appreciate we cannot please everybody.""We appreciate we cannot please everybody."
Some customers have claimed the new policy limits their freedom of choice.Some customers have claimed the new policy limits their freedom of choice.
The store's halal menu still includes many of the country's favourite pizzas, but with a halal twist on the toppings, Domino's added.The store's halal menu still includes many of the country's favourite pizzas, but with a halal twist on the toppings, Domino's added.
Abdul Mumtaz, the store's franchisee, said the halal store had been launched following "huge demand" from people in Hall Green.Abdul Mumtaz, the store's franchisee, said the halal store had been launched following "huge demand" from people in Hall Green.