Find out which 13 Powys food outlets have zero hygiene ratings

This is not yet the case in England, where the inspections are not a statutory measure. Welsh businesses that have a zero rating have a legal obligation to display their rating, and face a fixed penalty notice for failing to do so.

• MORE: Revealed - 10 Telford food outlets that have ZERO hygiene ratings

In Powys, there are 14 restaurants that have a zero rating, but due to the legal nature of the ratings, which different to in Shropshire and Telfor & Wrekin, inspections are more stringent.

Zero rated restaurants include Bilash Indian Restaurant on 17 High Street, Builth Wells, which was given its zero rating on August 24.

Also in Builth Wells, the Cambrian Arms was given a zero rating on June 12, but the pub has now closed.

The Centre for Alternative Technology, Llwyngwern Quarry Pantperthog, Machynlleth, was given its zero rating on September 2, while Eastern Food in Machynlleth Street Market was given a zero on June 22.

Loving Care on Canol y Llan, Llanwrin, had its zero rating on June 14 while Preem Indian Cuisine on Pool Road, Newtown, was given a zero rating on August 2 .

The Royal Head on Shortbridge Street, Llanidloes, was rated on May 26.

Spice Club Restaurant at Great Oak Street, Llanidloes, got a zero rating on August 3 and Tafarn-y-Garreg, Penycae, Swansea, got the same score on March 4.

The Taj Mahal on 21 Penrallt Street, Machynlleth, was given zero rating on April 28 while Thorne and Sons at Martin's Meats, Newtown Outdoor Market was given a zero rating on September 15.

John Evans, from Powys County Council said Bilash Indian Restaurant is actually facing a fixed penalty notice at the moment for failure to display its scores.

Also listed as a zero score is Old Chapel Farm in Llanidloes which was given zero rating on August 21 2014, but Mr Evans said the business has not been re-rated as it no longer serves food.

The Red Lion on 11 Maengwyn Street, Machynlleth was also given zero rating on August 11 2015 but it has been closed since February but its listing has not yet been removed.

Mr Evans said: "The first three zero rating were subject of closures after inspection two voluntary and one compulsory and the outlet the Indian restaurant in Builth is the subject of a current prosecution.

"Food businesses must display the sticker showing their current rating, in a prominent position at the entrance to the premises. Businesses must also tell customers their rating if asked, for example if a customer orders a takeaway over the phone.

"Failure to display a valid food hygiene rating is an offence. Officers can issue fixed penalty notices to businesses that do not display a valid rating. A fixed penalty notice will offer the opportunity for a person to pay a penalty of £200 within a period of 28 days from the day that the penalty notice is given, or a reduced penalty of £150 if payment is made within 14 days.

"The frequency of inspections depends on the nature of the business, commercial restaurants are annual."

Meanwhile, a Llansantffraid chip shop has overcome its temporary fly problem and a zero hygiene rating to return to its regular rating of four.

Graham Smith, owner of the Courtyard Fish & Chip Shop said that it had been a difficult period for the business, but that his loyal customers had helped to keep him afloat.

Mr Smith said: "We had a fly problem, but it was temporary.

"We invited people to come and see for themselves. We let anybody in to make their own assumptions about our standards.

"We put the letter in the window to let people know why we had the rating and we paid to be re-rated as soon as we possibly could.

"People tell us we have the best chips in Powys, so it was really difficult for us to have to have the zero rating on display."

Mr Smith paid for the restaurant to be re-tested as quickly as possible, so that it could return to the standard he felt it deserved.

But it meant waiting until an inspector was available to visit.

He said: "We were given a hygiene rating of four more than a month ago, and we are satisfied with that.

"It's very difficult to attain a five-star rating if you're in as old a building as we are because of structural things.

"We're lucky we have such loyal customers."