The ACT Government – via the Territory's Chief Health Officer – announced that it would no longer pursue 'Scores on Doors' following strong compliance by food businesses and a downward trend in food safety breaches.
AHA ACT General Manager Brad Watts said: "It appears the ACT Government has lost its appetite for 'Scores on Doors’ following strong compliance results and food safety improvements by licensed venues and restaurants right across Canberra, which must be applauded.
"The AHA ACT thanks the ACT Government for working in close collaboration with the industry over the past 12-18 months to achieve these positive results."
Watts said the AHA ACT has been working with the Government and other industry groups through the Food Regulation Roundtable, which has seen a range of effective educational tools and measures developed for food businesses.
"These positive results have been achieved through education rather than regulation," Watts said.
"We hope this can continue and it shows what can be achieved when health authorities work with industry to improve public health and safety outcomes.
"There is no need for further regulation or red tape to be imposed on the licensed hospitality sector, which is enjoying strong growth."
However Watts said there was also no room for complacency on this issue and the sector urged the Government to continue to work with industry to increase food safety standards into the future.
