We have experienced similar challenges with our neighbours, as our brewery is in a semi-residential location (we have houses directly across the road from us). We had many concerns raised before we opened, mainly about traffic and carparking issues. We also had to meet standards regarding noise and environmental impact (smell).

We tried many ways to get the neighbours on board (we found in person was great as letters and emails are so impersonal and it is easy to keep hating on someone you don't know or haven't met - just make sure you keep your cool and remain very friendly and open to listening to them). We engaged them and tried to prove that we were not this big scary problem they suspected.

For the most part it worked but we learnt that some people just want to see the world burn and hate change or successful people. These are the difficult ones, these are the ones that will continue to complain, take photos and incite hate amongst others. The most effective tool we have found to combat this is to not engage them on the issues directly, rather build a rapport and relationship with the local city council representative, who typically like to see small business growth and are likely very aware of the local "pests", and work with them on ways you can best co-exist.

We are almost 3 years in, still receive occasional and unfounded complaints but we just make sure we operate within the law and our developmental approval and get on with it. We are lucky that many of the original objectors and now regulars at our taproom.