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Hartford, CT Public Health Rules: Restaurant Grade Cards (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Grade A
90% or higher, no demerits
Grade B
80–89%, no demerits
Card posting
within 5 feet of front door
Replacement fee
$25
Re-inspection fee
$100

Summary

Hartford restaurants must post a letter grade, A for 90%+ compliance, B for 80–89%, after each health inspection, under a program run by the Department of Health and Human Services.

The letter "A" shall be the grade representing the highest degree of compliance with such laws followed by the letter "B". ... (a) A grade of "A" shall indicate a final score of ninety (90) percent or higher with no four (4) point demerits as determined by the Authorized Agent; (b) A grade of "B" shall indicate a final score of less than ninety (90) percent but not less than eighty (80) percent with no four (4) point demerits as determined by the Authorized Agent.

Source: Hartford Health DepartmentView official code

Full Breakdown

Under Section 14-21, the Director of Health and Human Services runs a letter-grading program for food establishments: an "A" requires a final inspection score of 90% or higher with no four-point demerits, while a "B" covers 80–89% with no four-point demerits. The Letter Grade Card must be posted within five feet of the front door, visible to patrons. Establishments scoring below 80% or receiving a demerit get a follow-up inspection. Owners may request a $100 re-inspection in writing within seven days of a low grade.

Violations & Fines

Defacing, hiding, or removing a Letter Grade Card violates the chapter and can trigger license suspension or revocation under Sections 14-9, 14-11, and 14-12; an unreplaced stolen card within 24 hours is also a violation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which food establishments are exempt from Hartford's grading rule?
Mobile/itinerant vendors, temporary events, schools, hospital cafeterias, licensed seasonal vendors, farmers markets, correctional facilities, and nonprofit member-only establishments are exempt under Section 14-21(b).
Can a restaurant appeal a low grade?
Yes: submit a written re-inspection request to the Director of Health and Human Services within 7 calendar days; the $100 re-inspection happens within 15 days.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Hartford

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All Hartford rules

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