Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Health Disclosure topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
License board discusses posting restaurant health grades; no formal action taken
Summary
Commissioners discussed whether Framingham should post restaurant letter grades like other cities, but agreed the practice falls under the Health Department's purview; no vote or formal direction was recorded.
Members of the Board of License Commissioners discussed whether Framingham should require restaurants to post letter grades from the health inspection on storefronts, but they did not take formal action at their May 19 meeting.
Commissioner Shannon McCullough raised the idea after noting she had seen letter grades posted on restaurant windows in Marlborough and Boston and said she "loved that idea." Commissioners and staff clarified that the posting and grading practice is controlled by the Health Department and Board of Health, which the board cannot unilaterally change.
Commissioners debated possible next steps, including informally asking the Health Department whether it would consider such a practice and being more vigilant about negative health reports at license-renewal time. Chairman Stewart Balaji and other commissioners emphasized that unless the mayor, city council or the city solicitor indicates that action is within the license board's purview, the matter would be informational and any policy change would need to come from the department with statutory authority.
No motion or vote was recorded on the topic. Commissioners encouraged any member who wished to pursue the idea to speak directly with the Health Department and return with information to present to the board; one commissioner volunteered to contact Health Department Director Bill Murphy for initial discussion. The board did not create a subcommittee or direct staff to take formal action.
