UK: First Muslim pub

Two Muslim men have opened what they claim to be the country's first alcohol-free pub.


The Halal Inn in Oldham has a juice bar, snooker tables and darts.


Traditional Islamic nasheed songs are piped into the bar and boards for karam, a billiards-style game popular across Asia, are on hand.


The inn also features a prayer room and steam room - but no beer. Wine and spirits are also banned.


Owner Azizur Rahman and business partner Muzahid Khan said they spotted a gap in the market and decided to take over the Westwood Inn.


Mr Khan said: "It's a gathering place for people who abide by strict Islamic rulings and don't like going to places where they serve alcohol.


"As a non-alcoholic venue it will appeal to Muslims more, but it is essentially for people from all backgrounds."


He said news of the venture had spread by `word of mouth' and visitors had come from Birmingham and London wanting to recreate the business.


"Muslims are a major consumer group," he said. "And it was easy to replace the word Westwood with Halal."


Source: Telegraph (English)