Give the independent brewers a chance
As MD of Burnley's Moorhouse's Brewery I champion cask ale. That's my business. I also help in promoting cask through SIBA (the Society of Independent Brewers), an organisation that exists solely for independent brewers.
One of SIBA's successes in recent years was to persuade big pubcos to allow beers from local brewers in their outlets via our innovative Direct Delivery Scheme (DDS).
So progress is being made, but what of other routes to market for the traditional beers that enrich the British ale landscape?
Recently my attention was drawn to the "club world" and the "hidden tie" where larger brewers use big bucks to secure business through subsidy and loan incentives.
In Burnley we have two teams doing rather well at present; one is in our brewery - where sales have grown exponentially. The other lives just a mile or so away at Turf Moor and could be heading for the Premiership league.
The synergy is axiomatic. We are natural bedfellows. But Moorhouse's and Burnley FC can only gaze longingly at each other from afar. Due to the "hidden tie".
The club's existing agreement with a regional brewer prevents us showcasing our internationally-acclaimed beer at the home of the Clarets. At Burnley FC you can't drink Burnley beer. Even though the club would like to sell it.
How many other private clubs - football, CIU (Club & Institution Union), British Legion and others exist throughout the UK? I would guess a lot. How many are propped up financially by brewers who firmly elbow the little guys off the bar? I would guess probably most.
I believe this is the unacceptable face of the "hidden tie"- a tie that undermines a sector of the market that enjoys consistent growth, despite the gloomy picture painted for ale overall.
Perhaps the larger brewers should stand back and take a long hard look. What do they have they to fear?
SIBA research shows that offering a choice of quality cask ale increases footfall. Business is better both for the licensee and the principal supplier. Where cask-ale enthusiasts venture, others follow.
Next year, we must meet one of the biggest challenges ever faced by the on-trade: the smoking ban. There are many ways an enterprising outlet can stem the threat. A good choice of cask ale from local brewers should be one of them.
Cask beer is unique to the pub or club. It cannot be bought at the supermarket. It is a real point of difference. It just might offer a lifeline for many club outlets. So come on you bigger brewers, stop worrying. Let us in.
