PROPOSED EU-BAN ON PATIO HEATERS IS A STEP TOO FAR SAYS NICHOLSON
Ulster Unionist MEP Jim Nicholson today said a proposed EU ban on outdoor heaters was a step too far.
The European Parliament is expected to back a resolution today which calls on the European Commission to set a timetable for abolishing goods with low efficiency ratings. This would affect outdoor patio heaters, leading to a ban on pubs, restaurants, cafes and the general public from buying or using outdoor heaters for their customers or for home-use.
It is estimated that the move, if implemented, could cost the UK pub and restaurant industry upwards of £250 Million a year in lost trade.
In a statement today Mr Nicholson said,
“There is no doubt that we must all do our bit for the environment and to lower our overall carbon footprint but this is a step too far. Given our far from balmy climate in Northern Ireland Patio Heaters add value not only to family life and outdoors eating and entertaining, but also to the many customers in pubs, cafes or restaurants who want to eat, drink or have a cigarette outside.
This proposal is an own-initiative report by a Liberal Democrat MEP, which although carrying no legal weight, ramps up pressure on products such as patio heaters if it is supported.
We are all in favour of encouraging changes to our energy consumption and improving our emissions. We must however allow change to develop at a pace in line with new energy efficient products coming into the market so that proposals such as this do not adversely affect our economy or our comfort.”