THE new website which names and shames dirty eateries is proving a success, claims Sefton Council.

Since going live, the scoresonthedoors.org.uk website, which gives ratings for hygiene in kitchens of pubs, restaurants and takeaways, has had tens of thousands of hits as diners snoop on what health inspectors think of their local pubs, restaurants and school kitchens.

While some businesses have received the full five stars, many high-profile eateries in Southport, Formby, Maghull, Crosby and Bootle have fallen foul of the rating system and earned a zero rating and withering verdict.

The controversial service allows owners to reply to reports, though few have taken the opportunity. Some restaurateurs have complained the
ratings do not give a full and balanced picture of what an establishment has to offer.

A recent report to Sefton’s environmental meeting said: “While some individual businesses have been disappointed with their star rating, on the whole it has been welcomed by the trade.

“Businesses have shown a great deal of interest in the website when they have been inspected.

“A significant improvement in food safety performance has been seen amongst those lower rated businesses inspected since the launch of the
initiative.

“Many businesses have enquired how they can improve their star rating and a dedicated officer has been advising them on cleanliness and food
safety."

Due to the site's success, Sefton want to discuss options to further enhance it, such as placing links on the pages, and uploading documents for information such as Sefton's enforcement policy and food safety campaigns.

Currently there are 1202 Sefton businesses on the site - 45 have five stars, 267 have four stars, 345 have two stars, 91 have one star and 81 are rated no stars.


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