IN SUPPORT of the increasingly popular idea that “local is best”, the CAMRA LocAle scheme actively encourages pubs to stock locally-brewed real ale.

This scheme builds on a growing consumer demand for quality local produce and an increasing awareness of green issues.

Everyone benefits from local pubs stocking locally brewed real ale.

The offer of local real ale can increase visits to public houses along with providing consumers with a wider choice of beer. Local brewers increase their sales and receive feedback from regular customers.

More money is spent and retained in the local economy and fewer “beer miles” results in less road congestion and pollution, reducing impact on the environment.

Stocking local beer helps pubs differentiate themselves from other pubs, gaining new customers and increasing the pub’s beer sales. It also gives them the edge in quality over supermarkets and off-licences which often sell low-cost, mass-marketed beers.

Within the distribution area of this newspaper Keighley and Craven CAMRA has accredited 35 real ale outlets. To qualify, a licensee must always stock at least one real ale brewed within a 25-mile radius of the pub and keep it in good form.

There are scores of breweries that qualify for the Keighley area.

Pubs in the scheme display a LocAle sticker in the window as well as posters, beer mats and pump toppers. They are advertised as being a LocAle stockist on the Keighley and Craven CAMRA website and also in print via the branch magazine, Alesman.

Congratulations are due to Timothy Taylor, Keighley‘s longest established brewery, on Boltmaker being awarded joint bronze in the Bitter category in the Champion Beer of Britain 2015 at CAMRA‘s Great British Beer Festival.

The four per centbitter (formerly known as Best Bitter) was awarded Supreme Champion in 2014 and joined Golden Best and Landlord as a holder of that prize.

If you are interested in more information about the LocAle scheme or wish to have your local pub accredited, it’s free and easy, just contact Keighley and Craven CAMRA through our website keighleyandcraven.camra.org.uk.