A Blyth takeaway has been prosecuted following an investigation by Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service's Fire Safety team.
China Cook, on Waterloo Road in Blyth, has been fined £3,418 after a representative of the company attended Newcastle Magistrates' Court on April 28 and pleaded guilty to the breach of a prohibition notice that prevented the use of the building's first floor and loft space for sleeping. The prohibition notice was served on November 26 last year following a routine fire service audit of the premises.
This was issued as sleeping materials including beds and bedding were discovered on the first floor. A follow up visit on December 10 revealed a breach of the notice as a person was discovered in bed asleep on the prohibited first floor.
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Richard Leighton, Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service group manager for protection, said: "The means of escape from the first floor and loft area within the premises were inadequate in the event of a fire on the premises. If there was a fire this would prevent people escaping safely.
"During our follow up visit reviewing sleeping within the premises we discovered three beds on the first floor and one within the loft area. This left us with no option but to take the case to court."
Northumberland Fire and Rescue Service is reminding responsible persons and businesses they must comply with fire safety legislation, and they reinforce the message that those who fail to do so may be prosecuted.
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