Scores on the doors rating scheme for eateries in North Herts

ANOTHER five star hygiene rating system is being implemented at eateries in Comet country.

North Hertfordshire District Council is introducing the Scores on the Doors rating scheme for restaurants, cafes, pubs and other food businesses.

Establishments are rated on a scale from 0-5 for their hygiene and food management, and then awarded certificates for the standard reached. These certificates can then be put on display, hence Scores on the Doors.

Cllr Bernard Lovewell, portfolio holder for environmental health at the district council, said he was "pleased" the scheme had been set up.

He said: "[The system] will be welcomed by our progressive restaurants and cafes. This gives the public reassurance that the food they are served meets good health safety standards. I am sure it will help raise standards overall.

"It is a measure of hygiene and management standards, not of food quality, so the humblest corner chippie can earn five stars alongside top gourmet restaurants. There's no reason why everyone can't earn a five star rating."

A council spokesman added that the system would initially be applied to "higher risk" premises such as cafes, pubs, hotels, restaurants, schools and residential homes, but it could eventually be extended to all food premises including newsagents and grocers who sell packaged food.

Inspections of over 400 premises across North Herts will now begin, and the first results are expected to be revealed in June.

Scores on the Doors has operated in Stevenage and Mid Beds for some time.