A LEADING Wiltshire brewery has added its criticism to the Scores on Doors system, saying it could devastate local businesses and is poor use of public money.

Lloyd Stephens, tenanted trade director for Wadworth, based in Devizes, said despite appropriate training, human nature meant different council inspectors would inevitably have different interpretations of venues.

He said: "The Scores on Doors initiative can only be described as ill-conceived. I am sure the council could make much better use of public money and council resources.

"Whilst I welcome any initiative that seeks to improve standards and safety in public houses, the initiative only seeks to name those houses that fail to reach the council standards which at best is arbitrary."

He believes council money would be better spent on providing guidance and education and said venues should not be graded with stars.

"Food businesses operate within very tight regulations and the council have statutory powers to enforce food standards," he said.

"Businesses either comply to the legislation or they do not. Public safety cannot be compromised through a star rating system."