As summer begins, more and more families are heading to the beach, whether it's a day trip or a week's stay. However, there is one lesser known rule that can turn a fish and chip dinner into a serious expense unexpectedly. In many coastal destinations across the country, seagulls that feed by law are actually punished. Those who find themselves doing so risk being fined well over £1,000.
Last year, the 97-year-old woman was threatened with a £2,500 fine and even a court case after her neighbor complained that she was feeding birds in Fild's yard near Blackpool. With this in mind, the luxury group Stay, one of the leading providers of premium holiday accommodation in the UK, is urging travelers to be aware of local articles of association that could take away their well-earned break plans.
While down in Suffolk, visitors to Aldebara are greeted with signs that those who caught feeding seagulls could face prosecution enforced under public health and anti-social behaviour.
The rules were introduced in coastal towns in 2009 and addressed a growing number of complaints about seagull behavior, including dive attacks, permanent object gging and damage to bins and property.
And it is not just Fild and Aldebara who have enacted these restrictions, but many councils across the country have introduced Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) and other ways they hope to crack down on seagull feeding.
A spokesman for Luxury Group Stay said, “With more local fines and ordinances being caught off guard, we can see that there is an increasing demand for private stays where families can relax, eat outside, and enjoy themselves without worrying about unexpected restrictions.”
Travelers are advised to carefully check local guidance, as the rules and signs that differ from town to town are often spectacularly easy to see.
They also shared a list of destinations where you could end up risking a fine if you found out you are feeding the seagull.
