Councils categorise every food business A–E for risk. Category A and B get inspected every 6–12 months, often unannounced. Category D and E can go 24–36 months between visits.

The fastest way to move from C/B to D/E is perfect paperwork for two consecutive inspections plus no complaints.

Many cafés that switched to digital logs in 2024–2025 went two full years without a single visit because their records were flawless and instantly available when the officer phoned for a remote check.

Less surprise visits = less stress, lower insurance, and more time actually running the business.