Patio heaters can expand outside bar and dining areas and provide a solution to anti-smoking legislation

(29/07/2006)

In the last few years, countries including the Netherlands, Ireland, Italy, and Norway have all been subject to legislation restricting smoking in enclosed spaces, public areas and workplaces. Across the board, they have turned to outside options to prevent potential loss of business.

Offering customers the option of warm and comfortable exterior seating areas is proving one of the most popular ways for European bars, hotels and restaurants to meet the requirements of recent smoking bans, and a practical, customer friendly approach for the UK hospitality sector to follow.

Blessed by Mediterranean weather, enabling drinkers and diners to sit outside if they choose, the majority of Italian hostelries have chosen to ignore a new law allowing indoor smoking only in dedicated rooms. As a result, the Italian trade association, FIP, claims that only 5% of bar and restaurant owners have introduced special sealed off areas with smoke extractors. It is simply not worth the cost of installing them.

Even European businesses operating in similar temperatures as the UK have recognised the potential impact of legislation and looked to expand their outside bar and dining areas in ways which boost business and offer choice to both smokers and non-smokers.

In Norway, which introduced a nationwide ban on smoking in restaurants and bars in 2004, a BBC correspondent reported that Oslo street-side restaurants had ‘mushroomed’ to cater for a culture where more than 1/4 of the population smokes.

Closer to home, the affect on business of banning smoking in the Irish workplace has been contentious, with contradictory reports on its economic impact. However, 94% of bar workers have ‘little or no difficulty in implementing the ban’ and that the majority of pub customers observe it. Outside premises for smokers are on the increase and sales of patio heaters have increased since the ban was introduced.

Rachel Hodge, market development manager for Calor said: “The need to provide a warm welcoming outdoor setting is something pubs, restaurants and hotels should consider. We have seen this happening in continental countries where a smoking ban is already in place and the UK hospitality industry would be wise to be equally prepared. Regardless of location, it seems the key for countries dealing with the implications of smoking bans is the ability to offer a comfortable exterior environment for smoking clientele. For many UK premises already planning ahead, Calor’s selection of patio heaters provide a practical, economical solution.”

Designed in a range of simple to operate styles, many offer adjustable heat controls and are fitted with a built in anti-tilt switch which automatically turns the gas off, should it be knocked.

To make it as easy as possible for staff to change empty cylinders, Calor offers a Patio Gas™ cylinder with a clip-on regulator, so no tools are required. Calor has also incorporated a Gas Trac® on Patio Gas™ cylinders, an indicator which tells you when you are running low on gas, allowing staff to plan ahead and purchase a gas refill in good time. Patio Gas™ gives an average of 16 hours of heat (dependent on the kW setting of the heater) when use used with a 15kW heater and one 15kW patio heater can provide warmth for up to 10 people.

Related categories:  Heating controls 

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