Hygiene Rating Sticker: UK Display Rules Explained (2025)

Introduction

''Do I legally need to show my hygiene rating sticker?''

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This is a common question that people ask.

Let’s clear this up — do you actually have to put that green-and-black sticker in your window?

The short answer: well, it depends where in the UK your business is based.

The longer answer? Let’s break it down — without the waffle.

🟢 England: You Don't Have To - It's Voluntary

In England, displaying your food hygiene rating is voluntary. There’s no legal requirement (yet) to put the hygiene rating sticker on show — not on your front door or window, mobile vehicle, trailer or temporary food stall.

But just because it’s not required, doesn’t mean it’s without consequences.

Customers are more aware than ever. They are becoming aware to look for that green sticker. If it’s missing, they may assume the worst — and that can hurt your reputation, especially if competitors are proudly displaying their 5s.

So while it is not currently law, there is pressure — for the Government to make it mandatory. Especially since the BBC investigation revealed stores, including a Sainsbury store, misleading customers with false hygiene rating stickers. Businesses in England are advised to start preparing for the law to change.

🟨 Scotland: Different System, Still Voluntary

In Scotland, the system is slightly different. Businesses are rated Pass or Improvement Required, not 0–5. The scheme is voluntary, and run by Food Standards Scotland, not the FSA.

Again, there’s no legal requirement to display the hygiene rating sticker — but some local councils strongly encourage it, and consumers are starting to expect it.

🟥 Wales & Northern Ireland: It’s the Law

If you’re based in Wales or Northern Ireland, this isn’t a choice — it’s a legal requirement.

You must:

Display the most recent hygiene rating sticker
Place it where it’s clearly visible near customer entrances

It is good practice but not currently mandatory (although this may become law soon) to:
Publish the hygiene rating online on the business website.

Failing to do this can lead to:

Fixed penalty notices
Improvement notices
Fines or prosecution for persistent non-compliance

The law is clear — and enforcement officers can, and do, act on it.

⚖️ Quick Summary Table

Why Some Businesses Don’t Display The Hygiene Rating Sticker

Poor rating: Hoping to avoid negative attention (but feeling embarrassed, disappointed, angry and frustrated)
Still waiting: Applied for a re-score, not yet reinspected
Don’t know the rules: Especially common with new owners or franchises
No sticker: It never arrived, or it was damaged

If you’re in England or Scotland, you’re legally in the clear — but be aware of how it might look.

If you’re in Wales or Northern Ireland, not displaying the hygiene rating sticker could land you in trouble.

Should You Display The Hygiene Rating Sticker Anyway?

Honest opinion: even with a less-than-perfect score, you might be better off putting it up where it is voluntary.

Why?

It builds trust — honesty goes a long way
You can control the story (e.g. “We’ve already taken action and expect a re-score soon”)
If it’s not on display, people will assume your business is hiding something

You could even turn it into a positive — display the rating sticker where it is voluntary. Use it as an opportunity to show your standards are improving and your business is committed to customer safety.

Obviously, businesses in England that have a 5 score will want to show off their hygiene rating sticker.

Not Happy With The Score On Your Hygiene Rating Sticker?

Don’t just accept it — there are three protections (known as safeguards) in place. You have the option to:

Appeal the decision
Submit a “right of reply”
Request a re-inspection after making improvements

Final Thoughts

In Wales and Northern Ireland, displaying the hygiene rating sticker is the law (it’s a mandatory requirement).
In England and Scotland, it’s currently voluntary, but businesses should start to prepare for a change in the law soon.
Think strategically. Honesty and transparency build more trust than trying to hide a low score on a hygiene rating sticker.

Want help turning negative vibes from a disappointing hygiene rating into something positive? Grab the Crisis Comms Kit for practical steps on what to say and how to say it — without making things worse.

What Is Included in the Crisis Comms Kit?

This FREE Reputation Rescue toolkit will give you:

Step-by-Step Guidance: Emergency guidance in bite-sized easy-to-follow steps to move you from feeling in chaos, to back in-control. Use immediately after receiving the EHO letter with that dismal new hygiene rating.

Done-for-You Social Media Calendar: 7-days of pre-planned content ideas and example social media posts – just copy, tweak and share on Instagram or Facebook. Then rinse and repeat until you feel on top of the crisis! Use to stay visible and credible to your customers.

Journalist Handling Protocol: Handle media enquiries like a pro with a ready-made journalist-friendly statement. Because we all know the Press loves to name and shame businesses with a low hygiene rating! 😉

Tips and Advice On How To Deal With Customer Criticism: Handle customer complaints and negative feedback like a pro and avoid common mistakes.

Protect your business reputation FAST when your poor food hygiene rating goes public.

Download Your FREE Copy of The Crisis Comms Kit Now.

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