Struggling NI pubs ‘need freedom to stock local products to survive post lockdown’

CAMRA has called for local pubs to be allowed to stock independent beersCAMRA has called for local pubs to be allowed to stock independent beers
CAMRA has called for local pubs to be allowed to stock independent beers
Every pub across Northern Ireland should be allowed to stock and sell beer and cider from local and independent brewers to help them recover post lockdown, the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has said.

The voluntary consumer organisation has launced its ‘Cheers for Choice’ campaign this week as bars in Northern Ireland prepare to reopen next month.

CAMRA NI’s members are signing petitions to big global brewers Molson Coors, C&C and Diageo, urging company bosses to allow all pubs to stock local brews.

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The campaign hopes that the big beer and pub companies will relax their rules as pubs reopen following the coronavirus lockdown.

A recent survey of 21,000 beer drinkers and pub goers across the UK carried out by CAMRA found that 68% of people are less likely to go to a pub if it isn’t selling local and independent beer and cider.

Commenting, CAMRA NI Chair Ruth Sloan said: “Relaxing these restrictions the global brewers and pub companies insist on is the right thing to do - making sure all parts of the industry, no matter how small, are supported in the recovery from Covid-19 and are able to thrive in the weeks and months ahead.

“Allowing small and independent brewers and cider producers are able to sell into all pubs will also improve consumer choice and allow pub goers to support local brewing businesses.

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“If pubs reopen and are still only offering a small range of beers from the biggest, multinational companies then we’ll be a missing a huge opportunity to let people explore more of our fantastic locally-produced beer and cider.”

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