Publican slams Star's environmental credentials after solar panels refusal

Adrian Gadd from the Yard in Newcastle, wrote to Star Pubs & Bars requesting permission to install solar panels on the roof of the pub — only to be left questioning the company’s commitment to helping the environment.

“I was shocked that a global brewer should adopt such a narrow view of the situation. It’s just not what I expected,” he said.

Gadd received a reply from Star Pubs & Bars stating that the company was unwilling to allow solar panels to be installed citing ‘the physical appearance of the panels are perceived as unsightly by many and could upset the locals,’ and ‘if any of the sites were ever to be sold as investments or single sale, the lease lengths make this difficult’.

Gadd, who has been at the pub since 1981, was keen on saving money as well as helping the environment and felt that the pub was
well suited to accommodate solar panels.

Gadd then wrote back to the company arguing that their reply brings into question the corporate attitude of Heineken in regard to renewable energy sources, as well as the efforts of tenants who want to save money on utility bills and help the environment.

Cost savings​

“There are cost savings involved rather than paying huge amounts to an electricity company.

“The bar is ideally suited to solar panels as each side of it gets a lot of sun,” he said.

“Solar panels are nothing new, they are part of the 21st century — it’s not like I wanted to put a wind turbine on top of the pub.”

Star trading director Chris Jowsey said the pubco “actively encourages energy efficiency at its pubs”, with a number of initiatives designed to help lessees reduce their overheads.

“It is certainly not our intention to unnecessarily prevent Mr Gadd from installing solar panels at the Yard,” he added.

“We would like to apologise to him for not making a more helpful response in the first instance, and will be contacting him again as soon as possible to discuss his plans further.”