Aim: The aim of this study was to determine whether or not the assessment of surface cleanliness could make a contribution to visual inspections of food premises. Methods and Results: Forty-five premises were studied with both rapid (ATP) and traditional microbiological swabbing being used to test surfaces that either come into direct contact with prepared foods or were likely to be touched by hands during food preparation. A significant link was found between aerobic colony counts and ATP measurements. In most cases, the visual appearance of surfaces could not be used to accurately predict either microbial or ATP results. Conclusion: This study suggests that ATP testing is a useful indicator of surface cleanliness and could be helpful to local authority officers as part of risk assessment inspections. Significance and Impact of the Study: This study provides further evidence that visual inspection alone may not always be adequate to assess surface cleanliness. In high-risk premises, ATP could, if appropriately targeted, help identify potential problem areas. The results are available at the time of the inspection and can be used as an on-the-spot teaching aid.