Gas rules to change

Pubs with older cellar cooling and air-conditioning systems may have to upgrade them to abide by European rules from the start of 2010.

New checks will also be required under the new regulations on so-called HCFC gases, which are being phased out as they are bad for the environment.

From 1 January 2010, pubs will not be able to replenish systems with HCFC gas R22, which has been banned from new systems since 2004.

A recycled version of R22 can be used until 2015, but there are doubts about whether there will be enough to meet demand.

It's possible that newer gases can be used in some systems suited to R22, but in some cases new equipment will be needed.

The rules also require that almost all pubs will need regular inspections of cooling systems for leaks.

Venues with systems containing less than 3kg of gas will require annual checks. Inspections are needed every six months for units with between 30kg and 300kg of gas.

Pubs must keep records showing their systems use acceptable gases, state where leak tests are required, and say which units won't abide by the rules from 2010.

Ray Paice, national sales manager at refrigeration service and maintenance company Eaton-Williams Services, said: "With 2010 around the corner, those without a strategy in place to deal with HCFC phase-out need to start planning now as a matter of urgency."

Licensees are urged to contact suppliers or maintenance contractors of their cooling units for further information.