Moseley Restaurant Appeals for Community Backing in Opening Hours Bid
A family-run Malaysian restaurant in Moseley has called on the local community to support its application for extended operating hours, following a council licensing denial that previously forced another business to close. Lisa and Pann, located on Billesley Lane, opened in 2023 and has been serving authentic Malaysian cuisine, but its current hours restrict service to no later than 8pm.
Challenges with Current Restrictions
The restaurant has submitted a formal request to Birmingham City Council to extend its food service hours until 9pm, arguing that the existing limitations make it difficult to serve dinner customers effectively. Owners Lee Sa Tan (Lisa) and Fui Peng Chong (Pann) express concern for the business's future if the application is refused, noting that sustaining operations has been very challenging under the current rules.
Historically, applications for extended hours at this location have faced rejection. For instance, Melt, a melted cheese restaurant that occupied the unit from March 2021, closed permanently after two years when its request to stay open until 11pm was denied, with one complainant citing noise disruption affecting their ability to hear owls in the neighbourhood.
Modest Request and Community Impact
In contrast, Lisa and Pann are seeking only a one-hour extension, with commitments to close by 9pm and no plans to serve alcohol. Lisa explained, "Our application simply asks to extend the opening hours to 9pm so that we can properly serve local residents during dinner time. This is only a one-hour extension." She emphasized that the restaurant operates quietly and respectfully, with no complaints from neighbours in over two years of operation.
The owners highlight that other nearby food businesses have later trading hours, making their request relatively modest. They also point out that vehicle exhausts are louder than any restaurant noise and that customers are advised to park considerately, avoiding disruptions to residents.
Financial and Operational Struggles
Operating only from Thursday to Sunday, the current hours barely cover essential costs such as utility bills, staff wages, rent, and taxes. Lisa noted, "At present, we've only been able to open from Thursday to Sunday, and the current trading hours are only just sufficient to cover essential costs." The restaurant has invested £2,021 in application fees, adding financial strain to the small independent business.
With a rent review scheduled for July, there are fears about covering future costs if the extension is not approved. The short dinner service period also forces the restaurant to prioritise dine-in customers, often turning away takeaway or delivery orders after 7:30pm.
Call for Community Support
Local residents are encouraged to submit comments on the planning application, with Lisa stating, "Support from local residents would mean a lot to our small business." The restaurant aims to provide a welcoming, family-friendly environment and believes the extended hours would benefit the local area without causing negative impacts.
Lisa and Pann is located at 126 Billesley Lane, Moseley, B13 9RD, and continues to serve the community while awaiting the council's decision on its hours extension request.
