A WORCESTER landlord has accused the UK’s biggest pub company of forcing him to quit.

The Crown Inn, in Bransford Road, St John’s, Worcester, closed unexpectedly earlier this month and manager Pete Rimmer blames Punch Taverns, which owns the premises and supplies its lager, of giving him no choice but to go.

Mr Rimmer, who took over The Crown in May 2004, said he made just four pence profit on each pint of lager sold. He claimed Punch charged him £235 per keg of lager, while other breweries could supply it direct for less than £120.

A spokesman for Punch was unable to confirm these costs.

Last month, owing the company £4,000 and struggling to pay the £300-a-month rent, he asked Punch for help. Two weeks later, bailiffs called and demanded the money.

“We felt completely unsupported,” said Mr Rimmer, who ran the pub with his wife Audrey.

“We asked for help and they refused. They made it impossible for us and we took the decision that enough was enough. It’s pure greed on their part.” Punch has denied being in the wrong. A spokesman said: “This is a complicated issue and we would like to stress that we have acted responsibly at all times.

“We have tried to work with the manager to resolve these issues and our priority is to get The Crown Inn open again as soon as possible.”

Mr and Mrs Rimmer move out on Monday. The Crown Inn, which closed on Saturday, August 2, will reopen when new managers take over.

“It’s a shame for the locals,” said Mr Rimmer.

“They weren’t just customers, they were our friends. We will miss St John’s very much.”

Mr Rimmer believes only free houses can make money in the current climate and rising tax on beer is a major problem for most publicans.

“The smoking ban has had an effect too,” he said. “We are just another traditional pub that’s closed.”