A PUB in Kidderminster will remain closed as owners say the business "will not survive" with the current government restrictions in place.

The family who have owned the The Swan in Vicar Street for 12 years told The Shuttle they have decided to "pull the plug" on the pub as the business is no longer viable.

Owner Brendan Sheehy said: "Our lease ends in August but we have made the decision now, due to coronavirus, not to reopen our doors.

Kidderminster Shuttle: The Swan owners have decided to walk away from the business after 12 yearsThe Swan owners have decided to walk away from the business after 12 years

"We've made the difficult decision to walk away from the business because it is no longer viable.

"We're known for our discos on a Friday and Saturday night - we're always packed so that's where we make our money.

"We won't be able to do that because of the new rules and without that, the pub just won't survive.

"If we carry on, we know we will be at a loss. I know there are quite a few pubs in the same boat.

Kidderminster Shuttle: The Swan team enjoy a last drink before lockdown in MarchThe Swan team enjoy a last drink before lockdown in March

"It's just not viable what the government is expecting us to do - I don't know how other pubs are planning to do it."

Brendan has run The Swan with his partner Lin and their two sons Anthony, the licensee, and Adrian for 12 years, supported by manager Laura Capper.

The team of six staff have been helping to refurbish the pub over the last few weeks in the hope of attracting a new buyer to take over the business.

Read more:

Brendan says a potential buyer has already expressed interest in taking over the site and hopes his staff will be able to transfer if the deal goes ahead.

Brendan said: "We have a great team here at The Swan - I would say the best in Kidderminster - but sadly we have to pull the plug and walk away.

"I’m going to retire and I am looking forward to that, but I am going to miss The Swan, our staff and all of our customers."