3. FIT FOR PURPOSE
There is no point installing a facility that is not built for the main purpose for which it is required ie smoking. Many awnings and parasol manufacturers, et al, are offering products that are simply not intended to stand outside in all weathers, all year round and provide a comfortable shelter for smokers to use all day long.
• Radiant heaters are vital to provide adequate, suitable and cost effective comfort to smokers.
• Most smokers wish to enjoy their cigarette, cigar or pipe under the smoking canopy, ideally with their drink, for the duration of their smoke ie once they have finished they wish to return to the bar area.
• Providing a clean environment that is close to the main building is far more important than offering seating etc. Outlets want their customers to be comfortable but not so comfortable that they do not return to the bar as often as they might.
• This learning has been much reinforced by the recent weather. Will your smoking facility withstand the weather? Will your smoking customers feel warm and comfortable under it?
For further information or advice, please contact:-
The Route Organisation
2 Winmarleigh Street
Warrington
Cheshire
WA1 1NB
Tel: 0870 112 6623
Fax: 0870 112 6624
E-Mail info@routeorg.co.uk
The “P” Word!
By far the most frequent question we are asked in our discussions with licensees and committee members is... “Will I need planning?” SCL have therefore sought the opinion of a (geographically) wide range of Planning Authorities, from Leeds to Cornwall, and without exception their view is that irrespective of what solution is provided for smoking it WILL require permission. As a result of this question and subsequent response SCL have decided to offer a Planning Application Service. For an agreed fee SCL will provide a full planning application service . This includes the payment of all necessary Local Authority fees; document and plans preparation/amendment as well as an AutoCad digital photo depicting the canopy in situ in the agreed location. Please note that Smoking Canopies accept no responsibility for the decisions of any Local Authorities prior to, during or after any application is submitted. The decision to apply for planning permission must therefore be entirely yours.
Smoking Canopies have listings and completed installations in a large number of multiple and independent pub and club groups including: Greene King; Assoc. Of Conservative Clubs; Punch Taverns; Enterprise Inns. The feedback we get from the licensees and committees of these groups is tremendous and clearly shows that there is a need for a solution that is specifically designed to meet the needs of the licensed trade.
