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Rais Miah, a restaurant owner in Lye, says that if the council restrict the use of the term 'balti' to Brummie curry houses it could hurt his and other businesses who sell the popular spicy dish.

"Birmingham City Council believes that the balti was created in Birmingham," he said.

"If their plan is approved then it will mean most of the Indian and Bangladeshi Restaurants around the UK will have to spend a lot of money to change their menus and signs.

"Most restaurants do use the name 'balti' and serve balti dishes. They might even have to close down because business will certainly suffer as balti dishes are the most popular choices amongst customers."

A selection of food

Mr. Miah, a representative of the Guild of Bangladeshi Restaurateurs, Staffordshire and Black Country Suburbs Branch, says he has been approached by other Black Country curry house owners who are worried about the proposed plans.

Earlier this month, Birmingham City Council said they were considering applying to protect the balti name, by giving it the same rights as Champagne in France, Wensleydale cheese in Yorkshire, and Melton Mowbray pork pies.

A spokesman for the council said: "The idea that Birmingham should trademark the term 'balti' is certainly an interesting one, which is not without its merits.

"The city is not only the birthplace of the dish, but also home to the UK's premier community of balti restaurants and businesses – The Balti Triangle.

The Curry Mile in Manchester

"The City Council is always seeking new and imaginative ways to promote the city regionally, nationally and internationally, which if judged to be feasible and to the benefit of local people/businesses we would not hesitate in pursuing."

Mr. Miah, who owns the Balti Bazaar restaurant on Lye crossroads, says that balti restaurants around the country - not just the Black Country - will be affected if the plans are successful.

"At such a time as this recession period businesses cannot afford extra burdens of expenditure," he said. I think it is just another tactic of Birmingham City Council to squeeze more money of the already hard working restaurateurs.

Mr. Miah wants to hear from other restaurant owners who are concerned about the plans. Contact him on:

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