SIBA announces launch of new container repatriation scheme for pubs

Empty containers belonging to brewers within the Society of Independent Brewers (SIBA) will be collected from pubs more promptly after January next year, when the industry's new container repatriation scheme, the National Container Repatriation Network (NCRNet) is launched.

NCRNet was created in association with SIBA, the BBPA, National Drinks Distributors and KegWatch.

The new scheme is designed to help licensees who want empties collected promptly from their premises, and brewers who want their containers returned quickly.

Under the terms of NCRNet, a licensee can now make a request direct to SIBA to start the container repatriation process if a member brewer has not collected their containers from his pub.

All SIBA members are now required to agree to NCRNet's terms as a condition of their membership. At the same time, NCRNet will make it easier for SIBA members to collect containers already in the repatriation process. A network of SIBA regional "hubs" is being created, where members' containers can be stored before being collected by their owner.

The regional hubs are provided by eight SIBA brewers nationwide, chosen on the basis of their location and ease of access. Containers collected by KegWatch can now be moved to the SIBA hub closest to the owning brewer, which means less distance and time is needed to collect them.

Key to NCRNet's success will be the correct use and understanding of the orange stickers used by SIBA brewers and licensees. Containers with orange labels should only be collected from pubs by the delivering brewer or wholesaler. Containers without them can be collected by distributors such as Tradeteam or Carlsberg.

Nick Stafford, SIBA commercial director, said: "NCRNet promises to alleviate some of the burden of container repatriation for licensees and smaller brewers. However, it will only be effective if everyone involved follows the protocols, and we would ask licensees to be vigilant about the container collections from their pub.

"Containers removed by the wrong person can take months to recover and sometimes disappear, putting major strain on the limited resources of small brewers and ultimately adding to the price of beer.

"We are pleased that NCRNet will return containers closer to their owner. Collection should become a less-onerous chore for our members, freeing them up to do what they're best at - brewing great local beers that are sought after by a growing number of appreciative consumers."

NCRNet goes live on 3 January 2012.

SIBA warns on tax as local beers outperform market >>

Gloucestershire mild from Cotswold Spring Brewery wins SIBA Supreme Champion Beer 2011 >>

By Neil Gerrard

E-mail your comments to Neil Gerrard here.

If you have something to say on this story or anything else join the debate at Table Talk - Caterer's new networking forum. Go to www.catererandhotelkeeper.com/tabletalk

Catererandhotelkeeper.com jobs

Looking for a new job? Find your next job here with Catererandhotelkeeper.com jobs