Outdoor dining in South Carolina beach community encourages the use of infrared heaters

In Surfside Beach, South Carolina, the town council has voted on the reading of two amendments that will allow outdoor dining. The town has recently expanded the sidewalks along Surfside Drive, which leaves more room for additional accommodations and restaurants. To keep the patios open year-round, restaurant owners will need the targeted warmth of infrared heaters.

According to The Sun News, one ordinance will allow the consumption of alcohol for restaurant patios as an exception to a previous rule that forbids it – as long as the restaurants have encroachment permits and liquor licenses. The council has asked the town staff to examine the changes and additions to those revisions, which include possibly setting a new price for encroachment permits. Another matter that council members will decide upon is the placement of barriers around patio areas to clear the sidewalks for pedestrians and tourists.

At a cost of less than 14 cents per hour, the energy efficiency of infrared heaters is superior to conventional sources. For example, propane heaters typically cost as much as three dollars per hour to maintain, and they require constant tank replacements.