Alfresco lifestyle for your customers with added peace of mind

Using Calor patio heaters is one way of making the most of your pub garden or outside terrace and could soon see you experiencing a real return on your investment. With plans recently included in the Queen’s Speech to make most enclosed public areas - including restaurants and pubs - smoke free, it is worth focusing on how making the most of your alfresco offering could reap great rewards in the long run.

But while you make the most of your increased trading space and customers benefit from eating and drinking outdoors, there are a few guidelines for using patio heaters that should always be followed, to ensure safe and happy alfresco enjoyment.

Calor’s market development manager, Rachel Hodge, says there are many advantages for the pub or restaurant manager in investing in good quality patio heaters, but they should be used responsibly: “Maximising your bar or dining area and encouraging customers to enjoy a drink or some food outside by using patio heaters could have a real positive impact on your sales, it’s just important to make sure that you and your staff are clued up on how to operate them safely, giving you that extra peace of mind.”

Calor has produced the following guidelines for responsible use of alfresco appliances:

Patio heaters are for outdoor use only, and should not be used with any conventional awnings or gazebos, especially those made of plastic

• Do not move a patio heater when it is alight
• Ensure that children are kept away from accessible parts that may become hot during use
• Patio heaters should be assembled and regularly serviced by a competent person
• Check the condition of the flexible hose connecting the regulator to the patio heater inlet every time the cylinder is replaced
• Do not use a patio heater if a persistent gas smell is present, and ensure that the cause of the leak is investigated and rectified
• Patio heaters should only be on full power during the initial minutes of use. Half power or less for the rest of the time will usually be sufficient
• Position patio heaters away from strong winds

Calor’s patio heaters come in a range of styles and are simple to operate. 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 hotel 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 12 hours of heat (dependent on the kW setting of the heater) when used with a 15kW heater, and one 15kW patio heater can provide warmth for upto 10 people.

If you are interested in finding out more about Calor’s range of patio heaters and Patio Gas™ call Calor on 0800 662 663 or visit the website at www.caloralfresco.co.uk

Issued on behalf of Calor by The Bright Consultancy , 1 Henley Court , High Street, Henley-in-Arden, West Midlands B95 5BA. For further information please contact Ruth Barrows / Annette Massam / Cara Hastings at Bright on Tel: +44 (0) 1564 795535 Fax: +44 (0) 1564 795560 or Email: pr@bright-consultancy.co.uk .

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Ref: CALG0059AV
Released: 3 June 2005