CAMRA was celebrating last week because MPs voted to introduce a market-rent-only option for licensees tied to the large pub companies.

This is a move that will secure the future of the Great British Pub.

The amendment to the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Bill was put forward by Lib Dem Greg Mulholland, MP for Leeds North West and chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Save the Pub Group.

Tim Page, CAMRA chief executive said: "The Government was defeated by 284 votes to 259 with MPs from all parties voting in favour of a new clause to the Small Business Bill that will empower pubco licensees to choose between a tied agreement and a market-rent-only agreement that will allow them to buy beer on the open market.

“Allowing over 13,000 pub tenants tied to the large pub companies the option of buying beer on the open market at competitive prices will help keep pubs open and ensure the cost of a pint to consumers remains affordable.

“The large pub companies will no longer be able to charge their tenants prices up to 60 pence a pint higher than open market prices. CAMRA is now urging the Government to accept the outcome of the vote."

CAMRA has been campaigning to achieve this for over 10 years so this is a great victory!

It’s great news for our pubs - and proves that people-power works. Over 45,000 signed a petition calling for an end to the Great British Pub Scandal - then over 8,000 emailed MPs to make sure they voted the right way. And the MPs did.

The “Fair Deal For Your Local” campaign argues:

Is it right that publicans tied to big pub companies can pay above £110 for a barrel of beer, but independent publicans are able to purchase for less than £70?

Is it right that tied licensees are unable to make a reasonable living due to high rents on top of inflated beer prices?

Is it right that the unbalanced relationship between big property companies known as "pubcos" and their licensees is driving up prices in pubs, restricting investment in pubs and ultimately forcing pubs to close?

We hope you’ll enjoy a pint in a local pub to celebrate!

A new brewery is coming to Keighley soon. Twitter followers have been reporting on the progress of a new brewery being built in Keighley @WishboneBrewery. We await further developments!

This month Barry and Carol at the Brown Cow, off West Lane, Keighley, were awarded joint runner-up in the Yorkshire CAMRA Regional Pub of the Year competition.

The award, which coincided with a beer festival at the pub, was presented by former Yorkshire CAMRA regional dir Mick Moss.

Each Yorkshire CAMRA branch nominated one pub and these were assessed by a team of judges who visited each pub anonymously over a period of several months.

Events

Tuesday December 16: Pub of the Season presentation to the Turkey Inn at Goose Eye. Presentation around 8.30pm. Everyone welcome whether you are a CAMRA member or not.

CAMRA’s national website is: camra.org.uk. The CAMRA shop on the website has lots of Christmas present ideas including gift memberships and CAMRA books.

You can contact the local branch via the website: keighleyandcravencamra.org.uk or calling 01756 796167 to speak to the branch contact.