What is CAMRA LocAle?

CAMRA LocAle is a new initiative that promotes pubs stocking locally brewed real ale. The scheme builds on a growing consumer demand for quality local produce and an increased awareness of ‘green’ issues.

A list of Huddersfield pubs participating in the CAMRA LocAle scheme is available here. Huddersfield is fortunate enough to be surrounded by many local breweries, so 20 miles from the pub to the brewery was deemed a fair definition of LocAle.

The CAMRA LocAle scheme was created in 2007 by CAMRA’s Nottingham branch which wanted to help support the tradition of brewing within Nottinghamshire, following the demise of local brewer Hardys and Handsons.

Everyone benefits from local pubs stocking locally-brewed real ale…

• Public houses stocking local real ales can increase pub visits
• Consumers who enjoy greater beer choice and diversity
• Local brewers who gain from increased sales
• The local economy because more money is spent and retained locally
• The environment due to fewer ‘beer miles’ resulting in less road congestion and pollution
• Tourism due to an increased sense of local identity and pride – let’s celebrate what makes our locality different.

So What’s in it for me?

Stocking a local beer can enable you to differentiate yourself from other local pubs, thereby gaining you new customers and increasing your beer sales. Stocking locally brewed real ale will also give you business the edge over supermarkets and off licences selling low-cost mass-market lagers.

What’s involved – can anyone join?

If you wish to benefit from participation in the CAMRA LocAle scheme you must agree to endeavour to ensure that at least one locally-brewed real ale is on sale at all times. Only real ale can be promoted as a CAMRA LocAle.

Joining the CAMRA LocAle initiative is Free and accreditation is easy. So, if you are the licensee of a pub or club in the Huddersfield area, then please contact us to arrange.

Some of your questions answered…

Q   What is CAMRA’s definition of local?

A   Each CAMRA branch participating in the scheme is able to decide on what they think is an appropriate definition of local for their area. Huddersfield is fortunate enough to be surrounded by many local breweries, so 20 miles from the pub to the brewery was deemed fair.

Q   How is the distance between the brewery and my pub measured?

A   The distance is usually based on the shortest driving distance. This can be easily calculated by using website route planners, such as AA Route Planner and RAC Route Planner.

Q   What if beer from a brewery is delivered 50 miles away to a distribution centre before being delivered back to my pub only 10 miles away from the brewery?

A   Because the brewery is local to your pub then the beer still qualifies as a local beer. Encouraging pubs to serve local real ales is the first step to reducing beer miles.

Q   What about licensees who are prevented from stocking a local beer by their lease or tenancy agreement?

A   Our advice would be for you to speak to your Business Relationship Manager to see whether a special arrangement can be made to enable you to sell one local real ale. The Society of independent Brewers’ Direct Delivery Scheme allows some lessees of Punch Taverns, Enterprise Inns and Admiral Taverns the option of stocking a real ale delivered direction from a local brewer.