Council asked staff to prepare ordinance requiring restaurants to post sanitation grades

Council members on June 24 asked staff to prepare a report and draft ordinance that would require restaurants to post sanitation grades where customers can see them. The idea was introduced during an update on public-health and restaurant outreach. Staff noted that the inspection score is already part of the inspection record and that some restaurants post their score voluntarily while others do not. The proposed change would require a modification to the local health ordinance. Council members and staff discussed display location (front door versus prominent in the dining area). Trey (staff member) said the change would be “fairly simple” from an implementation standpoint but would require the ordinance amendment. Several council members supported the requirement, and one suggested pairing the change with positive marketing for high-rated establishments. Staff said reports of inspection scores already exist online and in public records; the council asked the health department to return with a draft ordinance for consideration.