Darien's Department of Health introduced a new ratings system for local restaurants Thursday.

Health Director David Knauf says the new inspection rating should be put into effect in all Darien restaurants by the end of the year.

The town's new food regulations, approved earlier this year do not include snack bars or ice cream shops.

Knauf says the establishments that don't receive a high rating can request a re-inspection if they pay half their annual fee. They also must notify the department of changes they've made to fix the violations.