LPG Catering Case Study - Ormond Hotel

Although the Irish hospitality industry was initially preparing for devastating effects on trade when the smoking ban was introduced in March 2004, many outlets have found the opposite to be true.

Peter Ryan, co-owner at the ten-bedroom Ormond Hotel, Nenagh, County Tipperary, says he was wary about the effects of the ban: “I was against it from the start and didn’t want to enforce a ban - I thought it would put people off.”

But fortunately, with careful planning, Peter has not only retained custom, but increased turnover. “We created a dedicated outdoor area capable of seating up to 150 people that meets the requirements of the smoking ban and improved the hotel’s facilities.”

In order to ensure customers outside were offered the same level of comfort as those inside, Peter installed a radiant tube heater providing adequate heat for the entire area.

The heater is powered by Calor LPG cylinders which are easily replaced when necessary. Peter adds: “The LPG is not a huge cost at all and in fact is worth the investment as it has brought even more business in to the hotel and entertainment area.”

Peter concludes: “People sit outside longer because they are warm and comfortable which can only
be good for business, and customers inside the hotel are happier in their smokefree environment too.”