UMVA has learned that a battle between hungry seagulls and thirsty customers has erupted on the terrace of a popular pub in Norwich.
The Glasshouse Wetherspoons has been plagued by savvy seagulls snatching food from unsuspecting diners, prompting managers to take a firm stance: customers are now on their own when it comes to protecting their meals.
A stern warning on the pub's exterior reads: 'Seagulls!! Please do not leave your food unattended at anytime. We are unable to refund or recook any meals that are taken by seagulls.' This new policy has left some customers fuming, arguing that it's unfair to expect them to foot the bill for stolen food.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that customer Isla Gardner, 19, from Thorpe Hamlet, is among those speaking out against the decision. 'If customers can prove the birds took their food, they should have a refund,' she said. 'It's unfair not to refund them.'
Others, like Gillian Nobbs, 78, believe that the pub has a responsibility to protect its outdoor diners from the marauding gulls. 'If a pub has outdoor seating, they should do something to get rid of the birds,' she said. 'It's not the responsibility of the customers to keep the birds away, it's the responsibility of the business.'
However, not everyone agrees. Steve Everritt, 76, a regular at all three of the city's Wetherspoons, thinks that customers need to take matters into their own hands. 'I would agree it's down to the individual to guard their food,' he said. 'It's a natural attraction. The pub are doing as much as they can, they aren't responsible.'
As summer heats up and the seagulls become more aggressive, Wetherspoons is reportedly exploring additional measures to deter the birds. But for now, customers will need to be vigilant – or risk losing their lunch to the cunning gulls.
