Wetherspoons customers at its Norwich pub have been informed that they will no longer receive a refund if a hungry seagull steals their food. Regulars at The Glasshouse JD Wetherspoon pub in the Norfolk city are well aware of the cunning birds, but visitors have been caught off guard by the animals swooping down for an easy meal.
Previously, unlucky guests were offered a refund if they fell victim to the brazen seagulls snatching food off plates. The large birds had their eyes set on chips in particular. However, the thefts have become so frequent that a sign now warns customers not to leave their food unattended, stating that they are 'unable to refund or recook meals' stolen by the gulls.
The sign 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.' A spokesman for the site confirmed they are 'reviewing the problem to see whether any additional measures are necessary to deter the gulls.' He added: 'The birds have caused occasional problems at the Glasshouse, particularly in the summer months. The signage is in place to encourage customers not to leave their food unattended.'
Some punters are unhappy about the pub chain's move to stop seagull-related refunds, saying that the 'aggressive things' have been wreaking havoc and are calling for a 'fairer' solution. Isla Gardner, 19, who lives in Thorpe Hamlet, said: 'I have seen vicious seagulls in the garden before. If customers can prove the birds took their food, they should have a refund. It's unfair not to refund them.'
Gillian Nobbs, 78, who lives on the outskirts of the city near the ring road, said: 'If a pub has outdoor seating, they should do something to get rid of the birds. It's not the responsibility of the customers to keep the birds away, it's the responsibility of the business.' However, Steve Everitt, who visits all three Wetherspoons in Norwich each week on his day off work, took the pub's side. The 76-year-old who lives in Diss, Norfolk, said: 'I'm a big fan of Wetherspoons. I would agree it's down to the individual to guard their food. It's a natural attraction. The pub are doing as much as they can, they aren't responsible.'
Seagulls can grow into impressive lengths – even with their natural diet without stolen chips. The Great Black-backed Gull, also known as the King of Gulls, which is found in Norfolk, can measure 30 inches in length with a wingspan of up to 5.5 feet.
