London, Sep 16 (IANS): A licensing committee has agreed to extend the closing hours of an Indian restaurant in Britain though their application attracted opposition from two councillors, media reported.

Red Mantra restaurant and bar in George Lane, South Woodford got the permission to open till 2 a.m. (local time), the Guardian reported on Tuesday.

The restaurant was opened in 2009 and had a permission to stay open until 1.30 a.m. (local time) on Fridays and Saturdays.

In July this year, Red Mantra applied that the timings of closing the restaurant be extended till 2.30 a.m. (local time) on Friday and Saturday nights.

However, at a hearing at Redbridge town hall in Ilford, the committee gave the restaurant an extension till 2 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. It will be closed at 12.30 a.m. (local time) on other days of the week.

Two Church End Ward councillors opposed the application. One of them termed the decision "extremely disappointing".

The councillor said he was worried as the extended hours would "create another late night drinking premises" in South Woodford.

"This will turn Red Mantra into a drinking establishment primarily rather than a restaurant, attracting a different clientele and causing more crime and disorder," he said.

To this, Red Mantra manager Dipum Patel replied that both the police and environmental health officers did not object to the extension.

He said the company had invested 20,000 euros after they were told to do modifications to cut the noise levels and install some safety measures.

"We are not looking for new business, we are just looking to retain current customers who want to stay at the bar a little longer," Patel said.