How clean is your pub? Scores on the Doors go live

Date:  11 March 2008

Ever wondered how clean your local pub or café's kitchen is? That's the question behind an initiative by Three Rivers District Council to make hygiene inspection ratings available on the web. According to the Food Standards Agency, up to 5.5 million people in the UK are affected by food poisoning each year.

Three Rivers' Cabinet Member for Public Services and Health, Cllr Phil Brading, said:

"Pubs, restaurants and cafes range from excellent standards of hygiene to poor. The new Scores on the Doors initiative provides a snapshot of how clean premises were at their last inspection by environmental health officers. We hope people will find it helpful when choosing where to eat out.

"Of equal importance are the ratings for sheltered housing, schools and business canteens as well as bakers and supermarkets - all of which are also available on-line.

"The scores will protect the public and put added pressure on unhygienic venues to clean up their act. We have already taken court action against two food outlets this year."

Scores on the Doors was announced at The Pennsylvanian Pub in Rickmansworth to coincide with No Smoking Day on Wednesday 12 March. The pub, which scored five stars (excellent) at its last hygiene inspection, was the first in Rickmansworth to go smoke-free two years ago. Smoke-free environments are more hygienic for the preparation and eating of food.

The Pennsylvanian's manager, Jo Dooley, said:

"The introduction of a smoke-free environment in all businesses was an opportunity for many to improve their standards of cleanliness and the customer environment.

"Scores on the Doors in Three Rivers will also help many venues with an incentive to ensure that their food provision achieves a five star rating. Customers are more discerning than ever and will use the internet to find out how their local pub or restaurant has scored."

Scores on the Doors can be viewed on the website or residents can ring 01923 776611 (minicom 01923 727 303)

Each venue is given a rating ranging from Excellent (five stars) to Poor (no stars).

Some neighbouring boroughs also run Scores on the Doors including Watford www.watford.gov.uk and Hertsmere www.hertsmere.gov.uk

The national smoking ban is enforced in Three Rivers by the District Council.