Legal News

Darlington Borough Council has closed a takeaway in the town, after hygiene concerns were raised by Darlington Borough Council's Environmental Health team.

The owner of takeaway, Happiness Kingdom – situated at 45 Bondgate in Darlington – was required to close on 10 November, when an Environmental Health Officer employed by Darlington Borough Council found dirty work surfaces, dirty equipment and poor hygiene standards.

The owner Mr Shaui Fu was served a Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice.

The action followed a series of visits to the premises in June, July, and October.

On Thursday, 12 November at Newton Aycliffe Magistrate’s Court, the Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Order was issued by the court.

Darlington Council is now in the process of compiling a prosecution case, to be heard at a later date.

After the hearing, Darlington Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration, Councillor Chris McEwan, said:

“The council’s food safety enforcement officers carry out unannounced inspections to check that businesses are serving food to customers that is safe to eat and has been prepared in clean and safe conditions.

“In cases where there is an imminent risk to health, officers are expected to use their closure powers to protect the general public from harm.”

Duncan Lewis Crime Lawyers

Duncan Lewis crime lawyers can advise on offences under the Environment Act at any stage of a charge or investigation, including breaches of hygiene and food safety regulations.

There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide and our criminal defence solicitors can attend interviews with investigating or prosecuting authorities to advise on public protection and environmental health law.

For expert legal advice on environment health and public protection offences, call Duncan Lewis crime lawyers on 0333 772 0409.