The Rising Sun, a historic Victorian alehouse nestled alongside the Grand Union Canal in Berkhamsted, Hertfordshire, faces an uncertain future due to a noise complaint lodged by a single neighbor. Established in the 1850s, the pub, described as the last remaining Victorian alehouse built to serve the canal, has become a beloved local institution. However, landlord Mark Granger finds himself embroiled in a dispute that could potentially lead to the closure of his cherished establishment. The crux of the issue lies in the complaints made by a recently arrived neighbor concerning the noise generated by patrons enjoying drinks at the outdoor tables, a longstanding tradition at the Rising Sun.
The neighbor’s formal complaint, submitted in June 2023, triggered an investigation by the local council, Dacorum Borough Council. Mark Granger now contends that the council is pressuring him to accept modifications to his licensing terms, effectively prohibiting customers from consuming beverages on the canal towpath. The proposed changes would confine drinking to the interior of the pub or two designated small outdoor areas. Granger fears that the financial burden of contesting these restrictions in court, coupled with the inevitable loss of revenue from reduced outdoor service, could ultimately force him to close the Rising Sun.
The pub’s loyal patrons have rallied to its defense, launching a crowdfunding campaign that has already amassed over £14,000 towards a £40,000 target. These funds are intended to cover the legal expenses associated with challenging the council’s proposed licensing changes. Granger maintains that there is no substantiated evidence of noise violations, a claim supported by the council’s confirmation of no ongoing investigations. He believes the neighbor’s complaints are part of a deliberate effort to shut down his business, particularly impacting the crucial summer months when outdoor trade contributes significantly to the pub’s annual income.
The Rising Sun’s current license permits alcohol consumption both on and off the premises. Granger argues that the neighbor’s grievances often involve incidents occurring beyond the pub’s designated area and therefore fall outside his responsibility. He questions the practicality of holding landlords accountable for the actions of patrons after they leave the establishment, highlighting the impossibility of individually escorting customers home. He emphasizes that the street where some of the alleged disturbances take place is situated a distance away from the pub and outside his licensed area.
Dacorum Borough Council asserts its legal obligation to investigate all noise complaints and maintains it has acted appropriately in this case. The council confirms having received three complaints regarding the Rising Sun between June 2023 and September 2024, but states that no formal enforcement action has been taken. The council claims to have offered advice and guidance to all parties involved and emphasizes that it has no open investigations concerning the premises. Furthermore, the council confirms its licensing team’s engagement with the license holder to “regularise a license condition,” though the specifics of this condition remain unclear. The council also addresses parking enforcement actions taken in relation to double yellow lines, clarifying their long-standing presence and purpose in ensuring access for emergency vehicles.
The future of the Rising Sun hangs in the balance as the dispute continues. Mark Granger remains resolute in his determination to preserve the pub’s historic character and its tradition of canal-side drinking. The outcome of this conflict will significantly impact not only the livelihood of the landlord and his staff, but also the local community that cherishes the Rising Sun as a vital piece of their heritage. The community’s support through the crowdfunding campaign underscores the pub’s importance as a local gathering place and their desire to see it continue to thrive. The ongoing dialogue between the pub landlord and the council, along with the potential for legal action, will determine the ultimate fate of this historic establishment.
