York could introduce a publicly-available rating system to show how well local pubs, clubs and restaurants are complying with hygiene regulations next April.

Members of City of York Council's Neighbourhood Services Advisory Panel will be asked to approve a recommendation to adopt a 'scores on the doors' scheme, which would see the hygiene rating of food premises available to members of the public on a website.

The scheme has been successfully adopted in other areas and research by Which? Magazine highlighted that over 90 per cent of consumers want to be able to view this sort of information online.

Under the proposals, each premise would be given a star rating by the council's Food Safety team, based on the results of statutory food hygiene inspections. Each establishment is given a risk rating based on several criteria, including:
- food hygiene and safety procedures
- structure of the establishment e.g. cleanliness, ventilation, facilities
- confidence in the premise's management

Under the 'scores on the doors' scheme, the elements of the risk rating that are under the control of the food business are then used to give the premises an overall score. This score is converted into a 'star' rating, to help the public understand how well the business is complying with food safety requirements.

It's hoped that premises that are already operating to a high standard and are fully compliant with food hygiene legislation will earn a good reputation amongst customers and will potentially generate more business. Conversely, the scheme provides an incentive for less compliant businesses to improve their standards and achieve a higher rating.

The concept is fully supported by the Food Standards Agency and the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health.

It is likely that if adopted, the scheme will introduced in conjunction with other authorities in North Yorkshire.

Members will be asked to consider the proposals at a meeting on Thursday 6 December.