A TAKEAWAY owner has been fined for allowing food to be prepared on his premises without the use of running water.

Mr Ibrahim Nassar, the owner of La Roma pizzeria, in Northgate, pleaded guilty at Darlington Magistrates’ Court to four food hygiene offences on Wednesday (October 31).

The court was told that Darlington Borough Council’s environmental health officers were notified by Northumbrian Water on July 12 that La Roma’s water supply had been disconnected due to non-payment of a water charge.

When the officers visited the takeaway they found that food was still being prepared despite there being no running water to clean the equipment or work surfaces.

In addition, food handlers were not wearing suitable work clothes and could not wash their hands.

The environmental health officers deemed that the premises were unclean and food was at risk of contamination.

The takeaway’s manager voluntarily closed the business until the water was reconnected the following day, but the council decided to prosecute because of a history of poor compliance with food hygiene requirements and the significant risk posed to unknowing customers from operating a food business without water.

Mr Nassar was fined £1,000 in court and was ordered to pay £287 costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

Councillor Chris McEwan, a Darlington Council cabinet member whose portfolio includes environmental health, said: “This case demonstrates how Darlington Borough Council works with other agencies to protect the public.

“Our officers work hard to ensure that health and hygiene regulations are adhered to. Well done all.”

The Northern Echo contacted La Roma but Mr Nassar was unavailable for comment.