A pub landlord in Pewsey, Wiltshire, is under investigation by the local council for displaying a large St George’s Cross on the exterior of his establishment. The complaint, reportedly from an anonymous individual, claimed the decoration resembles “the headquarters of the National Front,” prompting Wiltshire Council to look into a potential breach of planning laws.
Jerry Kunkler, who has operated the Moonrakers Inn since 1981, first painted the red cross in 2016 ahead of the UEFA European Championship. He later repainted it in 2022 for the FIFA World Cup held in Qatar. Kunkler has emphasized his patriotic intentions, stating, “I thought I was going to bring the support here—it is a sports bar.”
The pub landlord, who has served as Wiltshire’s longest-standing councillor, expressed surprise at the complaint. He noted, “There has been all this hoo-ha about St George’s Crosses flying around the United Kingdom. But because of the length of time this has been out there, it has never been anything to do with that.” Kunkler insists that the Moonrakers Inn has always operated as a family-friendly venue.
Adrian Foster, the cabinet member for planning at Wiltshire Council, informed the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the Moonrakers Inn is a Grade II listed building within the Pewsey Conservation Area. He indicated that changes to the exterior, including alterations to paint color, may require Listed Building Consent. “The changes reported about this property will be investigated in accordance with the council’s planning enforcement policy,” Foster stated.
The Moonrakers Inn is known not only for its sports atmosphere but also for hosting various community events, including celebrations for the Queen’s Jubilee. Kunkler described himself as a “royalist” and recounted having met the Queen in 2012.
As the investigation unfolds, Kunkler remains committed to the pub’s inclusive environment, stating, “I have always run a family pub… I go to Six Nations games and we always promote them.” He has acknowledged the need to comply with any regulations set forth by the council and plans to communicate with them regarding the matter.
The outcome of this investigation will likely have implications not only for Kunkler but also for other landlords who seek to express national pride through similar displays.
