The Gemeente Groningen has granted permits for the winter months
With reduced indoor capacity due to Coronavirus regulations, and a need to catch up with revenue due to the shutdown earlier in the year, Groningen’s hospitality industry had received a boost with the Gemeente Groningen allowing outside terraces to stand throughout the winter months. As reported by the GIC.
An issue that the Gemeente and hospitality industry must now work on is how to minimise the environmental damage dealt by keeping patio heaters on for an extended period.
Normally, terraces have to go into winter storage in November, but catering businesses would like to continue to use their terraces, especially now that they are limited indoors to maximum numbers of guests.
Moreover, many guests find it more pleasant to enjoy a snack and drink in the open air.
Many catering entrepreneurs want to use patio heaters – often energy-guzzling – to make their stay as pleasant as possible. The Municipal Executive wants to take steps towards more sustainable alternatives together with the entrepreneurs and Koninklijke Horeca Nederland.
However, they recognize that many entrepreneurs have too little money to invest in sustainable heaters. That is why entrepreneurs have until November next year to purchase a green alternative, possibly with the help of an incentive subsidy.
Rights-free image via NeedPix.com
