SEFTON Council has launched a new website/league table which will have some restaurateurs quaking in their boots and some diners reaching for the nearest bucket.
The Scores on the Doors website gives us all access to the conclusions of food standards inspectors when they visit all types of eateries throughout the borough.
Although releasing these reports about restaurants and other food outlets is an admirable piece of democracy, what does the wider picture reveal?
A glance at the rankings of various establishments on the website makes for surprising reading.
The kitchen of a nursing home receives five stars, putting it ahead of some top-class restaurants in the resort.
We are not here to argue with the results – these inspectors know what they are talking about – but there are people’s livelihoods to be considered.
Inspections, rightly so, take place without warning - but even the most impeccably-run restaurant in the world can have an off-moment.
If that blip occurs moments before an inspector calls, a lowly ranking can take months to be updated on the website in question.
That can be damaging both to a reputation and a profit margin.
Southport is about to play host to its first Food and Drink Festival, with the top eateries in the area getting involved.
A lot of hard work has gone into the organisation and preparation, and the Visiter itself has thrown its support behind the culinary celebrations.
Worryingly, a number of restaurant owners were unaware of the site as details were due to be released to members of the public.
Let us hope the Scores on the Doors can be substantially improved before the festival begins.
For a resort which prides itself on welcoming visitors, our restaurants, takeaways and cafes need a cast-iron reputation.
If not, then diners will need a cast-iron stomach.
What do you think?
Is the new website providing vital information for Southport diners, or is it simply damaging for local businesses?
Have your say on our forums.
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