Is it Legal to offer an Armed/Emergency Service Discount?

[Martial Arts Man]

Hi Guys,

I am sorry If this is a really stupid question. I can already hear the "of course it is, you can do what you like" responses, however these days I generally get rather worried about anything business related that treats one person differently from another.

I would like to offer an armed service and emergency service discount (quite a hefty one) to my customers and their families. To be honest, for no reason other than that I am increasingly respectful of the jobs these guys and gals do. I just don't want to find myself in any bother due to an altruistic act.

I am aware that this kind of thing is common over the pond and have read silly newspaper stories about chippies refusing to serve traffic wardens and the such like. Whether they be true or not....

Some advice would be heartily appreciated,

Thanks in advance,

Marcus

[killsta]

Of course it is, quite a few big businesses such as Nandos, Dominos and Subway offer hefty discounts for Police/Ambulance.

If the food places can do it I can't see a problem with other businesses.

Edited by killsta on Tuesday 11th November 23:09

[northwest monkey]

Martial Arts Man said:

and have read silly newspaper stories about chippies refusing to serve traffic wardens and the such like. Whether they be true or not....

Can't answer your other question, but the chippy tale is true. Chippy near me refuses to serve traffic wardens & actually has a sign in his window. I've also seen the owner ask one to leave who clearly couldnt read so it's not just a daft sign.

[TheEnd]

I've seen a number of places offer similar discounts, and often seen nightclubs host a 999 night, usually where the nurses hook up with the firemen, and the Police radio through the registrations of all the cars in the carpark.

Never heard of it being a problem though,

[Martial Arts Man]

killsta said:

Of course it is, quite a few big businesses such as Nandos, Dominos and Subway offer hefty discounts for Police/Ambulance.

If the food places can do it I can't see a problem with other businesses.

Edited by killsta on Tuesday 11th November 23:09

Ok thankyou.

Not only for the reply, but for posting it without taking the p**s!

Cheers

Marcus

[BruceV8]

Firstly good effort on your sentiment.

Now, in answer to your question, emphatically 'YES'. Lots of firms do it and every year the MOD produces a booklet of businesses that offer a forces discount. You could even apply for inclusion in that. In effect its free advertising to 300,000 odd people - which I think will cover the costs of any discount offered.

Finally, what do you do and how much discount an I have?

[deckster]

You can discriminate on the grounds of whatever the hell you like as long as it isn't explicitly outlawed. So if it's skin colour, sexuality, religion, gender etc. - you're on very dodgy ground. If it's height, eye colour, length of fingernails or anything else then you're fine.

[Olf]

Dunkin Donuts do some good deals for cops I hear.

[Alex97]

TheEnd said:

I've seen a number of places offer similar discounts, and often seen nightclubs host a 999 night, usually where the nurses hook up with the firemen, and the Police radio through the registrations of all the cars in the carpark.

Errr, are you serious? Take a closer look at the patrons of a 999 night, i have a feeling they might not all be members of the emergency services. Just a hunch.

[HRG]

Mucky D's near me does it too.

[TheEnd]

Alex97 said:

Errr, are you serious? Take a closer look at the patrons of a 999 night, i have a feeling they might not all be members of the emergency services. Just a hunch.

Firstly nope, i'm trying to cut down on serious.
And secondly, i'm aware that the AA would also be invited

[Martial Arts Man]

BruceV8 said:

Firstly good effort on your sentiment.

Now, in answer to your question, emphatically 'YES'. Lots of firms do it and every year the MOD produces a booklet of businesses that offer a forces discount. You could even apply for inclusion in that. In effect its free advertising to 300,000 odd people - which I think will cover the costs of any discount offered.

Finally, what do you do and how much discount an I have?

Martial Arts training in this instance.......

Any interest?

Marcus

[Alex97]

TheEnd said:

Alex97 said:

Errr, are you serious? Take a closer look at the patrons of a 999 night, i have a feeling they might not all be members of the emergency services. Just a hunch.

Firstly nope, i'm trying to cut down on serious.
And secondly, i'm aware that the AA would also be invited

Haha, fair enough then

[Olf]

TheEnd said:

Alex97 said:

Errr, are you serious? Take a closer look at the patrons of a 999 night, i have a feeling they might not all be members of the emergency services. Just a hunch.

Firstly nope, i'm trying to cut down on serious.
And secondly, i'm aware that the AA would also be invited

Bang on. Fourth Emergency Service. Deserve all the BJ's they can muster.

[Madscanner]

Martial Arts Man said:

Hi Guys,

I am sorry If this is a really stupid question. I can already hear the "of course it is, you can do what you like" responses, however these days I generally get rather worried about anything business related that treats one person differently from another.

I would like to offer an armed service and emergency service discount (quite a hefty one) to my customers and their families. To be honest, for no reason other than that I am increasingly respectful of the jobs these guys and gals do. I just don't want to find myself in any bother due to an altruistic act.

I am aware that this kind of thing is common over the pond and have read silly newspaper stories about chippies refusing to serve traffic wardens and the such like. Whether they be true or not....

Some advice would be heartily appreciated,


Thanks in advance,

Marcus

Yes..

Next question...?


No - to be honst, I have taken advantage of (many) wilfully offereed opportunities, presented by many, many well-intentioned people. My view is, "if they want to..."


If "local" conditions include you, don't worry about it - think about the thougth behind it!

We ("WE") are all a part of both the "official" construct and everything which "real" people offer to us - never feel guitly for meeting other people's expectations...

Edited by Madscanner on Tuesday 11th November 23:35

[alfabadass]

I think as long as it's a blanket discount for police officers, it's ok.

It's dodgy ground if its a nudge nudge wink wink type of discount.

[Martial Arts Man]

Madscanner said:

Martial Arts Man said:

Hi Guys,

I am sorry If this is a really stupid question. I can already hear the "of course it is, you can do what you like" responses, however these days I generally get rather worried about anything business related that treats one person differently from another.

I would like to offer an armed service and emergency service discount (quite a hefty one) to my customers and their families. To be honest, for no reason other than that I am increasingly respectful of the jobs these guys and gals do. I just don't want to find myself in any bother due to an altruistic act.

I am aware that this kind of thing is common over the pond and have read silly newspaper stories about chippies refusing to serve traffic wardens and the such like. Whether they be true or not....

Some advice would be heartily appreciated,

Yes..

Next question...?


Thanks in advance,

Marcus

Sarcasm usually only works if you get in first.......

Next sarcy comment....?

[Jon C]

Olf said:

TheEnd said:

Alex97 said:

Errr, are you serious? Take a closer look at the patrons of a 999 night, i have a feeling they might not all be members of the emergency services. Just a hunch.

Firstly nope, i'm trying to cut down on serious.
And secondly, i'm aware that the AA would also be invited

Bang on. Fourth Emergency Service. Deserve all the BJ's they can muster.

I imagine the coastguard piss themselves with good natured laughter everytime they hear that one...

[The Moose]

Olf said:

Dunkin Donuts do some good deals for cops I hear.

bulk buy/wholesale???

[BruceV8]

Martial Arts Man said:

BruceV8 said:

Firstly good effort on your sentiment.

Now, in answer to your question, emphatically 'YES'. Lots of firms do it and every year the MOD produces a booklet of businesses that offer a forces discount. You could even apply for inclusion in that. In effect its free advertising to 300,000 odd people - which I think will cover the costs of any discount offered.

Finally, what do you do and how much discount an I have?

Martial Arts training in this instance.......

Any interest?

Marcus

I suppose the clue was in your title. But not for me, Chef. I have hips of steel. And they give me a gun. But I think plenty would be though.