A new council incentive will mean that restaurants will have their hygiene standards made open to the public on the internet, it has been revealed.
Council food hygiene inspectors will launch checks every six months to three years and their results will be published on scoresonthedoors.org.uk.
The ratings will be awarded in terms of a score out of five 'stars', with five meaning excellent and no stars meaning very poor standards of hygiene.
Restaurants' hygiene standards will be assessed on the basis of three main criteria; practices and procedures such as food handling, the cleanliness, condition and ventilation of the premises and confidence in the management of the business.
Sarah Ward, West Dorset Council's community protection manager, told the Dorset Echo: "Local people should have access to information that helps them make informed choices about where they shop or eat.
"This new online service provides that."
