Heaters ban is slammed

Feb 5 2008 by jez Davison, Evening Gazette

TEES Valley pubs and restaurants have slammed proposals to ban air polluting patio heaters as “totally unnecessary” and claim it could cost them millions of pounds in lost revenue.

An overwhelming majority of MEPs, led by North-east Liberal Democrat Fiona Hall, have called on the European Commission to phase out patio heaters and similar equipment that release carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions into the atmosphere.

But Tees Valley traders are outraged at the move, which The Publican Market Report 2007 estimates could cost the licensing and catering industry up to £250m a year, or £45,000 for a single business.

Tony Spensley, owner of the Dickens Inn in Middlesbrough, said a ban was “over the top” and would have “a significant impact” on trade.

“The beauty of patio heaters is they are mobile and coming up with alternative heating arrangements would be difficult.

“I understand we need to deal with climate change but sometimes politicians jump up and down and try to make a lot of noise for the sake of it.”

Mark Eddy, manager of the Black Bull in Yarm, said a ban would be “totally unnecessary” and make it “uncomfortable for us.”

“People talk about patio heaters being energy inefficient but you can justify using them when they benefit 150-200 customers at one time,” he said. “Sometimes cinemas are fully heated for only two or three people watching a film, yet nothing is said about that.”

The Energy Saving Trust has estimated a propane patio heater with a heat output of 12kw will produce around 2.6kg of CO2 per hour or 936 kg per year if used on average for 30 hours each month.

In comparison, a TV on standby for 17.5 hours a day will generate 19.2kg of CO2 (based on a 7W standby consumption) a year, while driving an average vehicle 9,000 miles a year releases 3,000kg of CO2.

Last month, B&Q, the largest retailer of patio heaters in the UK, announced it was to stop selling them as part of its efforts to reduce carbon emissions from the home.

The move follows an agreement by all 27 EU member states to endorse European Commission proposals to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2020.