Curry establishments along Brick Lane may face closure due to push towards net zero carbon emissions.
Rewritten Article:
Curry houses on Britain's famed Brick Lane brace for a potential crisis as the rural empire of restaurant owner Guljar Khan narrows down to a mere six establishments. Khan shares a grim outlook for the UK's curry industry, stating, "I don't think this industry is going to last that long."
Net zero policies, recommended by the influential Climate Change Committee (CCC), pose a significant challenge to curry houses, especially if gas cookers are phased out. Attempts to reduce carbon emissions and combat climate change have South Asian restaurants fretting about the preservation of their cultural identities.
A report from the net zero advisers' independent body suggests that gas cookers should be phased out in favor of alternatives. Although the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero has yet to adopt this recommendation, the government's stance on the use of fossil fuels in households and businesses is due to be clarified this year.
The prospect of such a policy change has alarmed Oli Khan, the head of the Bangladesh Caterers Association. Khan is on a mission to caution local businesses, having had negative experiences dealing with the government in the past.
Gareth Thomas, the Minister for Small Businesses, recently met with the UK catering leader. This encounter left Khan distrustful of Labour and passionate about voicing his disapproval of a proposed policy to phase out gas cookers. According to Khan, such a policy would be "disgraceful" as it threatens the survival of iconic tandoori ovens used by South Asian restaurants.
"Replacing the old way of the tandoori oven is really, really difficult for the people within the industry," Khan told City A.M.
The Unfeasibility of Net Zero
Curry houses have largely switched from coal to gas, but additional changes promoted by a renewed push towards net zero targets may pose a significant challenge. For Guljar Khan, who owns Masala Restaurant on Brick Lane, such changes would strip away the "authenticity" of traditional dishes.
"We need flames-live fire," Khan explains. "If you go electric, curry is not as tasty."
Ed Miliband, the Net Zero Secretary, faces pressure to loosen policies and avoid imposing excessive costs on businesses. Intervention from former Prime Minister Tony Blair on the limited impact costly net zero policies have on businesses could sway the decision-making of Keir Starmer and Miliband.
An industrial strategy expected within weeks may outline plans to lower energy prices, given that they are more than double those in the US. A government spending review in June could offer support to small businesses. Yet, local businesses along Brick Lane remain unoptimistic about the industry's future.
"It's a dying industry," Khan asserted, stating, "The government don't give two monkeys about it."
The government has denied allegations that net zero policies endanger United Kingdom curry houses. According to a government spokesperson, there are no plans to phase out the use of fossil fuels in cookers. Instead, the government aims to transform the U.K. into a "clean energy superpower," firmly in control of its homegrown power. The government also intends to reform business rates to promote fairness on high streets and preserve the vitality of local communities.
Yet, it appears that the '90s "golden era" for Indian and South Asian food will remain a distinct memory for many Brick Lane restaurants.
- The economy of curry houses in Britain, particularly those on Brick Lane, is at risk due to the potential phase-out of gas cookers as a part of net zero policies, threatened by the loss of traditional cooking methods and the preservation of cultural identities.
- The shift towards technology and renewable energy sources such as electric cookers, promoted by net zero targets, could adversely affect the lifestyle and taste preferences of South Asian restaurants, making it difficult to maintain authentic flavors in traditional dishes.
- Concerns about the impact of net zero policies on the sports sector have been raised as well, with Gareth Thomas, the Minister for Small Businesses, facing pressure to loosen policies and avoid imposing excessive costs on businesses, including those in the leisure and hospitality industry, which could be influential in affecting consumer spaces and local lifestyle patterns.
