Domino's 'halal only' menu not a hit with regulars

Birmingham, Feb. 12 (ANI): A Domino's Pizza outlet in the Hall Green area of Birmingham has infuriated locals after becoming the first in the country to take pork off the menu and offer only halal food to suit Muslim sentiments.

The pizzeria has told customers that if they want ham or pork on their pizza they will have to go elsewhere. The regulars are blaming Dominos for discriminating against the mixed race people living in the area.

"It's a disgrace, I can appreciate them having it as an option but to have it completely halal is just not on. I'm all for racial and religious tolerance but if anything this is intolerant to my beliefs and discriminatory against me," Chris Yates, a 'Meteor' pizza lover said.

Peter Merholz, 38, from Hall Green, added, "This is a global pizza chain that is isolating western values and choice. It's alienating people and that's just not on."

The store wasn't doing very well earlier, but within four weeks of putting the new halal menu the business has picked.

A spokesman for Dominos, who recently announced their profits were up 33 per cent, 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."

People who have been coming here for ages blame Dominos not only have to travel miles to get their favorite pizza, but they also blame the brand for promoting racial and religious discrimination in the area.

But the Dominos branch of Hall Green area is just too happy with their successful business strategy to listen.

"We appreciate we cannot please everybody but there are alternatives, such as turkey ham, and we have thought long and hard about this decision and we are sure it is the right one," the Dominos spokesman said.

Masood Khawaja, President of the Halal Food Authority, said, "It's good news for Muslims, with changing pallets, who want a bit of variety in their diet. This is only the beginning and we are delighted that Domino's has participating in this trend."

Meat is considered to be Halal only if it must meet certain conditions. They include that the animal should be killed by having its throat cut by a Muslim and any flowing blood of the carcass should be completely drained. (ANI)