A food truck has become the latest outlet to offer ‘seagull insurance’ – to give people money back if their food is nicked by a bird.
Hawkins BBQ announced the new £1 policy after locals were left ‘traumatised’ by attacks from the birds targeting their grub.
The business, based on the Isle of Man, said it meant that anyone who took out the ‘coverage’ could claim a free meal if their food was ruined in a seagull strike.
And the owners even plan to donate the proceeds from their ‘stress-free’ new policy to a wildlife trust charity that protects the island’s birds and animals.
Hawkins BBQ wrote in a post on social media: ‘I think it’s fair to say that many on the island have had one or two (traumatic) experiences with the islands enthusiastic Seagulls – whether it’s being swooped on walking down Strand Street or attacked eating ice cream/gelato, we might have something for you!
‘Introducing the Islands first Manx Seagull Insurance! We recently saw the idea flourish across so we decided it’s a must for foodies here!
‘Starting today, you can now purchase ‘Seagull insurance’ for only £1, which means you get the replacement meal on the house.
‘We will also be donating all proceeds of this ‘policy’ to Manx Wildlife Trust, who work tirelessly to protect the islands wildlife, including those pesky gulls.
‘Make sure you ask us for the protection the next time you visit and enjoy a delicious BBQ meal, stress free.’
Hawkins BBQ is following in the footsteps of the Cheesy Toast Shack, in St Andrews, who came up with the idea after seeking a ‘solution’ to the growing seagull menace.
And a spokesperson from Hawkins BBQ said they had asked Kate Carter-Larg, 35, who owns the business, for permission to implement a policy of their own.
Speaking about the issue, Kate previously said that up to 30 customers a day were being attacked by seagulls – with some left bleeding.
She said: ‘The gulls are super aggressive and actually terrifying.
‘We are a family-run business and I can’t just sit and watch a sandwich get stolen and not replace it, so I’ll always give another for free.
‘But it is really an issue and it’s been costing us a lot of money – people are even left bleeding after the gulls swoop for the food!
‘We get old women emailing us saying: ‘I’ve nearly rolled my ankle because of seagulls’, we have children crying too from it.
‘People will come to take photos of our sandwiches – and the minute they hold toastie up for a pic – all the seagulls dive bomb them.
‘People left bleeding, they really are a problem.’