WTNH News Channel 8 / News / 1999

	Restaurant Rating Proposed (New London-WTNH) _ A local lawmaker wants the public to know what they should expect when they go out to eat. A bill is being proposed that would require restaurants to post health code inspection scores for the public to see. So what do restaurant owners and health officials think about the idea? News Channel 8's Peter Standring reports. When it comes to inspections Joe Rozwadowski has nothing to hide. His deli consistently gets high marks for cleanliness. Three of the last four reports were perfect. Joe Rozwadowski, Roz's Deli: "I have nothing to hide, I keep a clean establishment, most of the public knows we keep a clean establishment." But there are other establishments out there that aren't as clean that the public doesn't know about. Soon though all that may change. A state rep from Waterford is proposing a law that would require restaurant owners to post their inspection reports from the public health department. The reports show where there are problems and whether or not a restaurant is up-to-code. Right now the only place you're definitely allowed to see them is at your local health department. Pamela Kilbey-Fox, New London Health Dir.: "There's certainly access now, and the more access the public can have to the restaurant inspections the better." Health inspectors like Brian Sauvageau agree. He says having businesses post the results may lead to greater awareness and cleaner conditions overall. Brian Sauvageau, Health Inspector: "Some restaurant operators will be more conscientious and more willing to be in compliance so they can get that good report." Of course there'd be a lot of details to work out. The reports are complex and can be easily misinterpreted. But in general a lot of people think making them more visible is a good idea. Barbara Dixon, Groton: "I would favor that legislation, I think it would give the restaurant diner a better idea that they were going to be served from a clean kitchen." Today's News Page. WTNH Home Page. ©1999 WTNH/WTNH-DT A LIN station.

Restaurant Rating Proposed
(New London-WTNH) _ A local lawmaker wants the public to know what they should expect when they go out to eat. A bill is being proposed that would require restaurants to post health code inspection scores for the public to see. So what do restaurant owners and health officials think about the idea?
News Channel 8's Peter Standring reports.

When it comes to inspections Joe Rozwadowski has nothing to hide. His deli consistently gets high marks for cleanliness. Three of the last four reports were perfect.

Joe Rozwadowski, Roz's Deli: "I have nothing to hide, I keep a clean establishment, most of the public knows we keep a clean establishment."

But there are other establishments out there that aren't as clean that the public doesn't know about. Soon though all that may change.

A state rep from Waterford is proposing a law that would require restaurant owners to post their inspection reports from the public health department. The reports show where there are problems and whether or not a restaurant is up-to-code. Right now the only place you're definitely allowed to see them is at your local health department.

Pamela Kilbey-Fox, New London Health Dir.: "There's certainly access now, and the more access the public can have to the restaurant inspections the better."

Health inspectors like Brian Sauvageau agree. He says having businesses post the results may lead to greater awareness and cleaner conditions overall.

Brian Sauvageau, Health Inspector: "Some restaurant operators will be more conscientious and more willing to be in compliance so they can get that good report."

Of course there'd be a lot of details to work out. The reports are complex and can be easily misinterpreted. But in general a lot of people think making them more visible is a good idea.

Barbara Dixon, Groton: "I would favor that legislation, I think it would give the restaurant diner a better idea that they were going to be served from a clean kitchen."

Today's News Page.

WTNH Home Page.