A historic Midlands pub that first opened its doors before the French Revolution is on the brink of permanent closure, its landlord has warned, pleading for urgent government intervention.
A Pub Steeped in History Faces a Modern Crisis
The Coach & Horses Inn on Weatheroak Hill, Alvechurch, has been serving patrons since 1787. Located on the border between Alvechurch and Birmingham, this cherished country local is now fighting for its survival. Landlord Gary Meads, who runs the family-owned business, stated he believes it is 'unlikely' the pub will remain open to see the end of 2026.
Meads told BirminghamLive that the cumulative pressures on the hospitality sector have left him with little hope. 'The honest truth is, I don't think I'll see this year out if it carries on like it is,' he said. He explained that to cover his own living costs, he is being forced to take money from the struggling business, creating a vicious cycle.
The Call for a Lifeline: Slash VAT, Save Pubs
The publican's central demand is clear and direct. 'The help we need is a VAT cut, as simple as that,' Meads asserted. He argues that reducing the 20% Value Added Tax rate applied to pub food and drink sales would be an immediate fix, easing cash flow and allowing for reinvestment.
He highlighted the competitive disadvantage pubs face against supermarkets, which pay zero VAT on most food sales, enabling them to sell alcohol at cheaper prices. Meads also called for a reversal of recent increases to Class 4 National Insurance contributions. 'We need that VAT cut and a reversal... to give us half a chance,' he pleaded.
His views echo those of industry figures like Wetherspoons chairman Tim Martin, who in 2024 backed a cut to 12.5% to prevent widespread closures.
Political Pressure and a 'Costly' 18 Months
The pub industry has been at the centre of recent political turmoil. Following the Autumn Budget, the government faced heavy criticism over business rates reform, which critics warned would heap more costs onto pubs. After a backlash that saw some landlords ban Labour MPs, ministers proposed a U-turn on the specific rates decision for pubs.
However, Gary Meads says the damage has already been done. 'What they've done in the last 18 months is take my wage,' he said, estimating Labour's changes have cost him around £50,000 annually. He added that while he wasn't solely criticising Labour, noting the previous Conservative government 'weren't much better,' the current financial pressure is unsustainable.
With the feared business rates increase still looming, Meads sees no respite. 'There isn't anything which makes me think there's light at the end of the tunnel,' he concluded, issuing a stark warning about the future of Britain's iconic pub culture without decisive action.
