Crossword Genius

Ale supplier having bartender empty pitcher (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

brewer

'ale supplier' is the definition.

'bartender empty pitcher' is the wordplay.
'empty' says to hollow out the word (remove centre letters).
'pitcher' becomes 'ewer' ('ewer' can be a synonym of 'pitcher').
'bartender' with its centre taken out is 'br'.
'br'+'ewer'='BREWER'

'having' is the link.

(Other definitions for brewer that I've seen before include "Bitter maker?" , "I make tea" , "work I supply to pubs" , "Beer-maker" , "Ale manufacturer" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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