Characteristically, Uncle Bill starts with a beer and then gets straight to the grill (8)

I believe the answer is:

barbecue

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'the grill' is the definition.
(I have seen 'Outdoor grill' mean 'barbecue' so perhaps 'grill' could also mean 'barbecue')

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for barbecue that I've seen before include "Outdoor party (full of sizzle?)" , "Cuba beer (anag.)" , "Grill for outdoor cooking" , "Cure babe (anag.)" , "Outdoor cookery" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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