Русско-англо-русский юридический словарь

Customers could be one-time or repeat patrons, but generally lack loyalty to the company providing the products or services. Businesses such as retail stores, restaurants, service stations, supermarkets, banks and amusement parks typically consider their patrons as customers. Patrons needs are met by the fixed-form goods and services priced to sell. (Chron)

Where products or services need a lot of personalization and customization, patrons are often thought of as clients. Closer professional relationships are built with clients over time. Businesses such as law offices, graphic design firms, talent agencies, accounting firms, health care providers, and matchmaking services offer ongoing advice and specialized solutions to clients. (Chron)

One famous study highlighted an outbreak in a South Korean restaurant when two diners were infected by another patron sitting at a separate table, more than two metres away. (The Telegraph)

Mr Watson stressed that there was "no secret, and no shame, in a Conservative MP being a loyal ally of his former boss and powerful patron" - but he warned that as a minister he will now have responsibility for policy areas in which Mr Osborne and his new employer have a commercial interest. (BBC News)