A TAKEAWAY in the Northgate area of town has been served with a fixed penalty notice for £200 by Environmental Health officers.

CCTV operatives witnessed staff continuing to serve customers at the door after the Government mandated 10pm closing time.

The venue had previously been visited by officers and given advice about the rules, which apply to all food and drink establishments, after earlier reports that they were continuing to trade after hours.

According to government rules, takeaways must close their doors to all customers after 10pm, although they can still offer home delivery and ‘drive-thru’ collections, where staff take the order to customers’ cars without contact.

Stephen Todd, environmental health manager (commercial), said: “Businesses need to be aware that if they fail to comply with the legal situation and Government guidelines then officers will not hesitate to take enforcement action where appropriate to protect public health.”

Councillor Kevin Nicholson, cabinet member for health and housing, said: “Officers have worked hard to engage with business owners to make sure they know what’s expected of them during these restrictions and how to best go about their business.

“On the whole we’ve seen a good level of compliance from our hospitality businesses, but we will not hesitate to take action where necessary against those who flout the rules.”

The government changed the rules at midnight last night to allow people to collect orders from the door. Customers still have to order online or over the phone, however, they can be on foot as well as in a vehicle.

Businesses looking for advice and support on the Covid-19 restrictions can email environmentalhealth@darlington.gov.uk

There is also a section with advice for businesses at www.darlington.gov.uk/coronavirus

Darlington Borough Council chose not to reveal the name of the takeaway