MEP says "Patio heaters are a luxury the planet cannot afford"

5.27.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 30th Jan 2008

Following a report submitted to the European Parliament by Fiona Hall, Lib Dem MEP for the North East, that calls on the Commission to ban out door patio heaters, local MEP Graham Watson said in support of the report,

"Following the introduction of the UK smoking ban out door patio heater sales have soared, and I appreciate that if we ban heaters there are implications for those in the hospitality industry. Individuals do have practical alternatives to keeping warm outside. However, Climate Change is now affecting all of us, and we must all do our part. I believe out door patio heaters are a luxury the planet cannot afford."

Over the past 5 years there has been a growth in the use of outdoor heaters. The Energy Saving Trust says patio heaters use as much energy as a gas stove hob does in six months. Only 10% of the UK pub trade owns outdoor facilities. Some retailers have already banned the sale of outdoor heaters, including Marks & Spencer, Wye Vale Garden Centres and, most recently, B&Q.