THE IMPORTANCE OF OUTDOOR CLIMATE CONTROL

The floor plan of your establishment has changed and possibly forever.

With the introduction by government of strict “smoke free” laws, the outdoor areas of the venue have become essential parts of revenue generation for hotels and clubs.

While it is still legal to smoke outside, it is imperative that these areas are treated with the same diligence as any internal area of the venue. They must be maintained with the same high levels of hygiene and comfort as all other areas. Ash trays must be emptied and tables cleaned. It is just too easy to forget that the outdoor areas of the venue are major revenue generators, if maintained to a high standard.

Outdoor Heating Applications

Climate control in these areas is essential to maintain patronage. With the recent heatwave spreading across the Southern States, venues with a misting (outdoor cooling) system experienced the benefits of keeping patrons comfortable. A system such as the Aquamizer portable misting system uses re-cycled water which can be obtained from the run off from your ice dispenser. This system is fully portable and can be positioned anywhere in the outdoor area. It operates with a 38 litre reservoir and will operate on one full tank for 40 hours.

As with cooling, many very effective outdoor heating systems are available to maintain comfort during winter months. Vinyl structures, such as umbrellas, folding awnings and full 4 sided outdoor rooms are a simple, cost effective way to create and maintain a comfortable year round outdoor area. Heating and cooling can be fitted to these structures to provide the year round comfort your patrons require.

Infratech Outdoor Heating Systems

Sophisticated infra red electric heaters, such as the “Infratech” outdoor heater are highly efficient and relatively in expensive to operate. Electric infra red heat will only heat the bio mass and doesn’t waste energy attempting to heat air which in most cases is blown away with any form of wind.
Electric infra red heaters have the capacity to be fitted with a motion detection device, making operation in outdoor areas fully automated and not reliant on staff to operate.

Of the utmost importance when designing or considering your outdoor areas, is your OH&S responsibility towards staff. It is irresponsible management to expect staff to work in these areas if the level of hygiene and comfort are not as they are in the internal areas of the venue. Appropriate staff uniforms are essential to cope with our extreme outdoor weather conditions. Your clients dress for the weather conditions, so why shouldn’t the staff be appropriately attired to handle these conditions. This is another important rule to maintain these areas comfortably for both patrons and staff, to ensure they become major profit centres of the venue.

Outdoor Leisure Areas & Climate Control

Even without our strict smoke free laws, the outdoor area is essential revenue generation. Many patrons prefer to be seated outside, even if only to enjoy the environment.
Look at any venue with an outdoor dining facility on a busy street and you will find that the curb side dining is packed, whilst many areas of the venue inside are vacant. We like to see life stroll by.

Making these areas comfortable, clean, safe and busy will make them the most popular parts of any venue on a year round basis.

Kevin Smith is Managing Director of Melbourne based company Keverton Outdoor.