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Manchester, NH Public Health Rules: Restaurant Grade Cards (2026)

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

Key Facts

Rating basis
100 minus weighted violation points
Inspection frequency
At least every 6 months
Low-score trigger
Under 60 needs 48-hr fix
Report status
Public document on request

Summary

Manchester health inspectors score every food-service establishment on a 100-point scale, and the completed report is public on request.

Such form shall summarize the requirements of the New Hampshire Rules for the Sanitary Production and Distribution of Food and shall set forth a weighted point value for each requirement. Inspection remarks shall be written to reference, by section number, and shall state the correction to be made. The rating score of the establishment shall be the total of the weighted point values for all violations subtracted from 100. The completed inspection report form is a public document that shall be made available for public disclosure to any person who requests it according to law. ('71 Code, § 10-28) (Ord. passed 6-5-79 ; Am. Ord. passed 9-4-01 )

Source: Manchester Health DepartmentView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2025 S-25: current through Ord. passed 6-3-2025).

Full Breakdown

Under City Code § 117.29, the Health Authority inspects each food-service establishment at least once every six months (§ 117.27) and records findings on a report form that assigns a weighted point value to each violation under the New Hampshire food sanitation rules. The establishment's rating score is 100 minus the total weighted-point deductions. Inspection reports are public documents available to anyone who requests them. A score under 60 triggers mandatory corrective action within 48 hours under § 117.30, and repeated or serious violations can lead to permit suspension or revocation under §§ 117.24-117.25.

Violations & Fines

Score under 60 forces 48-hour corrective action; uncorrected violations can suspend or revoke the operating permit, and general code violations carry fines under § 10.99 (NH RSA 47:17), each day a separate offense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Manchester post letter grades in restaurant windows?
No. The city uses a numeric 100-point rating score under § 117.29, not a posted letter-grade placard, but the report is public on request.
What happens if a restaurant scores below 60?
Section 117.30 requires the establishment to start corrective action on all violations within 48 hours, with follow-up reinspections.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Manchester

All Manchester rules

Compare Manchester to another location·View the New Hampshire public health rules overview

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