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Can the hospitality industry survive an outdoor heater ban?
As Barcelona bans outdoor gas heaters at bars, hotels and restaurants, db investigates the implications for the global on-trade.
From 1 January, 2025, gas-powered patio heaters became illegal in Barcelona. The Spanish city has been gradually phasing out the heaters since 2018 after increasing calls from conservation groups, which claim that firing up gas heaters during the winter months emits the same amount of CO2 as a car being driven around the globe three times.
Until 30 April, electric heaters with a capacity no greater than 150W/m2 will still be permitted in Barcelona, but after that point a blanket ban will be in place.
A similar move to axe patio heaters was kickstarted in Madid around a year ago, but a local court blocked the ban, ruling that there was no proof the heaters contributed to global warming. Scheduled to come into force in Madrid on 1 January, 2024, the heater ban was eventually scrapped following uproar from local businesses who said they would suffer due to the loss of custom, and the loss of usable space.
In Madrid alone there are thought to be 3,000 terraces with gas heaters.
Exceptions to the rule
Spain is not the only European nation looking to enforce a ban. France has banned the use of gas patio heaters since 31 March, 2022, with a few key exceptions.
For example, the ban does not apply to bars, cafes and restaurants where the terraces are covered and closed on the sides, meaning that heaters may still be used in private courtyards.
Heaters are also still permitted inside closed tents, marquees, and in waiting areas for public transport such as in rail stations or airports.
With more nations following suit, what might a widespread ban on outdoor gas heaters mean for the global hospitality industry?
Essential resource
Patio heaters have become an essential resource for bars, hotels and restaurants, especially since the UK smoking ban kicked in, consigning smokers to outdoor areas.
Dining and drinking establishments fear a loss of footfall, and establishments may be pressured to make up for lost wintertime revenue during the summer months. Trade organisation UKHospitality says that outdoor spaces are key in helping businesses to keep their heads above water.
“Hospitality businesses in the UK have invested heavily in their outdoor spaces over recent years, particularly following the trading restrictions put upon the industry during the pandemic,” Kate Nicholls, CEO of UKHospitality, tells db.
“These investments have been made so that businesses can make the most of their outdoor spaces all-year-round, with outdoor heaters helping to ensure guests are protected from the elements and, in turn, giving businesses maximum space and opportunity to trade and drive revenue.
“Over the past few years, we have seen the UK Government incentivise the use of outdoor space and we would like to see that continue. This is particularly relevant in light of ongoing cost pressures, where businesses will be looking to maximise their revenue-driving potential, with outdoor spaces being a big part of that.”
End of the winter pop-up
A much-loved annual feature on the hospitality scene is the winter pop-up, often featuring mulled wine and cider and hot buttered rum served amidst a cornucopia of woollen blankets, faux-animal furs and après ski motifs. Part of the fun is sitting outside drinking warm boozy cocktails, but feeling cosy and snug despite the crisp air. It’s the time of year when patio heaters really come into their own.
If a gas heater ban is rolled out more globally it could spell an end to this seasonal treat. It may also permanently alter Europe’s ‘café culture’ of enjoying a coffee, beer or glass of wine on a terrace.
db has reached out to a number of bars and restaurants to ask what other measures might be taken to ‘green’ their business that would benefit the planet more than taking away gas patio heaters.
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