A SCOTTISH businessman has vowed to hand out 1000 free milkshakes at his restaurants as Tory leadership hopefuls visit the city for party hustings.
Boris Johnson and Jeremy Hunt are visiting Perth today for the event, which will take place in the city’s Concert Hall.
Owner of nearby restaurants Gringo’s and the Venue, Frank Burger-Seed, has now pledged to distribute 1000 milkshakes ahead of the hustings.
“To celebrate Boris Johnson coming to Perth, Gringo’s Bar and Restaurant along with The Venue will be handing out free milkshakes throughout the day,” a statement from the restaurants said. “Remember, please drink responsibly.”
Right-wing candidates, including Nigel Farage and Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, aka Tommy Robinson, were targeted with milkshakes during the European Parliament elections in May.
During a visit by Farage to Edinburgh, police reportedly ordered a McDonald’s near to his Brexit Party rally to stop selling milkshakes.
READ MORE: Edinburgh McDonald's stops selling milkshakes during Farage visit
At tonight’s Perth event, Yes activists and anti-Brexit campaigners are expected to stage protests.
Burger-Seed said his initiative was fuelled by opposition to a “poisonous” no-deal Brexit and was simply a way to keep protesters hydrated.
“This isn’t about being Tory, SNP, LibDem or anything else, it’s about caring for our community,” he told The Courier.
“A no deal Brexit will be poisonous for Perth, Scotland and the UK. It will have a huge impact on us.
“We’ll support anyone who is peacefully protesting and we’re happy to keep them refreshed.
“It will be a hot summer day and we’ve got 1000 milkshakes ready. There will be a vegan option too and of course all the cups and straws will be recyclable and bio-degradable.
“This isn’t about who you support. It’s about letting Boris know that his plans for a no-deal Brexit are not welcome.”
Tory leader of Perth and Kinross Council, Murray Lyle, said he was “disappointed” with the restaurants.
He told The Courier: “I’m disappointed that these restaurants are doing this. There’s a fine line, and the staff must be aware that they are making a political point and not trying to encourage misbehaviour.
“Everyone has a right to make a political point so it has to remain in the balance of what is legitimate.
“I suspect that there will be a police presence outside the event and they will be prepared for anyone who tries to pull any stunts.”
The man who threw milkshake over Farage during a campaign walkabout in Newcastle was ordered to pay the Brexit Party leader compensation.
READ MORE: Man who threw milkshake over Farage ordered to pay compensation
Paul Crowther, whose "politically motivated" act cost him his job and led to threats being made to his family, was told by the district judge that "actions have consequences".
He said he now regretted throwing a £5.25 Five Guys banana and salted caramel milkshake over the former Ukip leader in Newcastle city centre, telling police it was a moment of madness.
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