Punch lessees able to choose SIBA ales

Punch Taverns lessees and tenants will be able to choose ales supplied through the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) from June.

Licensees who are already Cask Marque-accredited will be able to source SIBA ales within a 30-mile radius.

"We have been trialling the SIBA Direct Delivery Scheme with around 80 licensees in the north-east over the last year," said Punch buying club director Andy Slee.

"The aim was to look at how local ales can further grow the sales in these pubs and the learning is clear — the best return for all is when a licensee is supplementing their existing thriving cask business with ales sourced through SIBA."

Commercial director Nick Stafford added: "Local ale is the only growing sector of the on-trade beer market and offers licensees another string to their retail bow in attracting customers through their doors. The SIBA DDS trial clearly indicates that, in the right kind of pub, local beers from small brewers can build valuable business for Punch licensees."

Punch and SIBA are in discussions to finalise the details of the roll out and the eligibility of licensees wishing to sign up to the scheme.

Slee added: "Expanding the range and choice of cask ales for our licensees continues to form a central part of our offer. As the number of microbreweries in the UK continues to boom, we are constantly assessing how we can give our new and existing licensees flexibility to source local ales and in turn drive sales."