A WELL-KNOWN Dines Green pub has been told it must make £10,000 a month or potentially face last orders, The Observer can reveal.
The target was given to Coppertops landlord Marc Johnson during the summer by the owners Westbourne Leisure to cover running costs of the Oldbury Road pub
Speaking to the Observer, Marc said he hadn’t received anything in writing but had been told by Westbourne Leisure to bring in the five figure sum.
“They have been very fair with us I have to say but they have said we need to take a certain amount each month to cover the costs,” he said.
“We’ve made it in September and I am very hopeful of the same this month but as we get into November people start thinking about saving up for Christmas. That’s when things might change.”
Marc, who celebrates his two-year anniversary as landlord later this month, said he was unsure what would happen should the pub fail to reach the target set by the owners.
The Coppertops was the subject of speculation in the summer when it was thought it could be demolished to make way for a care home but the landlord told the Observer he was unaware of any plans.
Despite the challenges, Marc said he was determined to succeed and bring in as much money as possible.
“We are going all out and doing everything we can to make the target. I hope the party at the end of the month will see us over the line for October,” he added.
As part of a number of events coming up, the Coppertops will be the venue for a Halloween party on Saturday, October 29 with fancy dress as well as a fireworks display to end the night with a bang.
The hard-working landlord paid tribute to his regulars and issued a rallying call to residents to lend their support to their local.
“Just pop in and come and see what we have got to offer, support us and have a pint. Make sure we are here for Christmas,” Marc said.
A recent survey by the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) showed pubs were closing at a rate of 21 per week.
Pints have been pulled at the Coppertops since November 1969 but in recent years nearby pubs such as the Mayflower in Grenville Road and the Drakes Drum have closed their doors in favour of housing.
Owners Westbourne Leisure were unavailable for comment as the Observer went to press yesterday (Tuesday).
