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For the boozer, it's a close thing! (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

local

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'for the boozer' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for local that I've seen before include "Near at hand" , "In the vicinity" , "Pub - not far away" , "where the neighbours drink?" , "Confined to a limited area" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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