Restaurant hygeine rating scheme launched

A 'SCORES on the doors' hygiene rating scheme for all food outlets across north Norfolk has been launched with the help of a family-run hotel with one of the higher grades.

A 'SCORES on the doors' hygiene rating scheme for all food outlets across north Norfolk has been launched with the help of a family-run hotel with one of the higher grades.

Similar to schemes used by many councils across the country, food businesses are given a rating out of five stars, based on their last hygiene inspection by North Norfolk District Council.

Ratings can be checked by anyone on the national website www.scoresonthedoors.org.uk and outlets can display a sticker in their window, showing off their rating.

Council officials said 88pc of the district's businesses have at least three stars.

An official launch was held at the 17 bedroom Dormy House Hotel in West Runton, which has four stars.

James Jarvis, partner at the hotel, said: 'We are very pleased with the four star rating, but it also gives us something to strive for in achieving five. Not only can we improve, but we can be recognised for it and our guests will be able to see what we score immediately by looking at the website. And we will definitely be having our rating in the window.'

David Hunter, chairman of the North Norfolk Tourism Round Table, who was also at the launch, said it was important to ensure food preparation businesses were up to scratch and the new scheme provided another way of addressing the issue.

'It creates an open and fair system and gives everyone, whether they are running a business or from the council, a common goal - to improve and maintain good standards.

'It also makes it even easier for businesses to make sure they use the expertise and advice of the council inspectors.'