In a move to try an improve food hygiene standards throughout the country, the 'scores on the doors' scheme is intended to give customers an indication of how good a premises is. In some parts of the country, there are other schemes such as the Star Award or Hygiene Award.

Whilst it is not yet a legal requirement to display the score that your business has been awarded, the information is freely available to the public and a poor score can obviously be disastrous for any business, especially if there is negative press coverage.

Most local authorities who have adopted the scheme do not have any formal appeal procedure against a score, but it is possible to challenge their rating through the courts, especially if the Council refuse to carry out a re-rating within a reasonable period of time.

Should you receive a poor rating that you feel is not justified, we can help by taking the matter up with the Council. Normally, no court hearing is needed and the Council will agree to carry out a re-assessment once the correct legal challenge is issued.