Restaurant hygiene scores go online

Published on: 11/10/2006

Ref: PR5291

People who eat out in Southwark can check the hygiene ratings of over two thousand premises that sell food and drink in the borough by logging onto www.southwark.gov.uk/scoresonthedoors

Southwark is one of the first local authorities in London to make food safety scores for restaurants, pubs and cafes available online and one of only a handful in the country.

Tapas Brindisa on Southwark Street, SE1 is one of 47 premises in Southwark that achieved five stars in recent hygiene inspections.

Six hundred premises currently have four stars and 144 have none.

Cllr Lisa Rajan, Southwark Council's executive member for environment and transport, said: "Knowing how hygienic pubs and restaurants are is of huge interest to anyone who eats out.

"It is possible for all premises to achieve a five star rating and we are keen to work with establishments falling short of the necessary standards to help them improve.

"The publication of hygiene scores allows consumers to eat out with confidence and will drive up hygiene standards in the borough which can only be a positive development."

Jose Pizarro from Tapas Brindisa added: "I am so happy for our staff and customers that we secured five stars in our hygiene inspection. Tapas Brindisa is a really busy place but looking after the safety of our customers is always the priority."

There is currently no requirement for premises to display their hygiene scores but this may change in the future.

ENDS SOUTHWARK PRESS RELEASE