A Wiltshire pub landlord has been ordered to apply for formal permission to keep the St George's Cross flag he painted on his establishment's exterior nearly a decade ago, following a single complaint.
Council Investigation Launched Over Flag
Jerry Kunkler, landlord of the Grade II listed Moonrakers Inn in Pewsey since 1981, first painted the England flag on the pub's white wall in 2016 to mark the Club World Cup. He repainted it in 2022 ahead of the football World Cup.
However, Wiltshire Council initiated a planning enforcement investigation in November 2025 after the 17th-century pub featured in a promotional video for Reform UK. The complaint alleged the building looked like "the headquarters of the National Front."
Retrospective Planning Application Required
Steven Jenkins, the council's planning enforcement officer, informed Mr Kunkler via email that he had undertaken "unauthorised works" without listed building consent. The officer requested that "the red paint be gone over/removed with white" to resolve the breach.
Consequently, Mr Kunkler, who is also Wiltshire's longest-standing councillor, has been forced to submit a retrospective application for planning consent. The Liberal Democrat-led council is expected to decide on the application by March.
Landlord Defends Flag as Symbol of Sporting Support
Mr Kunkler, a Conservative councillor, expressed his frustration, noting the flag had been displayed for over nine years, aside from the Covid pandemic period, without previous objection. "Nothing's been said about it until now," he stated.
He firmly rejected any political association, linking the complaint to the wider "hoo-ha" surrounding flags nationally, and stressed it had "nothing to do with" Operation Raise the Flag. He explained the Moonrakers Inn operates as a sports bar. "I support everything England and this pub has been a venue for all those who want to watch England play," he said, citing men's and women's football, rugby, and Euros tournaments.
Mr Kunkler confirmed he intends to keep the flag up for upcoming events like the Six Nations and has agreed to comply with the planning process. The historic pub, an inspiration for Jez Butterworth's award-winning play Jerusalem, is also decorated for St George's Day and has hosted jubilee celebrations.
