Photo: Contributed

A public hearing on allowing the sale of alcohol at the Penticton Farmers Market will take place Monday night in council chambers.

The council passed first reading of zoning changes that would include liquor tastings and sales within the outdoor market at its last meeting.

The government of BC recently made changes to the regulations around the service and sales of liquor within the province, including permitting liquor at farmers markets.

While market tastings have just been deregulated by the province, market organizers must still adhere to Liquor Control and Licensing Branch rules in order to maintain their license.

The zoning change would ensure organizers have the flexibility to offer wine tastings in the market provided they meet all provincial regulations.

The Downtown Penticton Association has endorsed the move. They have seen a big interest from individual wineries, winery associations, distilleries and breweries and look forward to the opportunities it presents.

Also on the council agenda, following the hearing, is a letter from the chamber of commerce that states in part, "Based on the answers and additional information provided as a result of the Penticton and Wine Country Chamber of Commerce Members Forum on July 8, we respectfully ask council to take the time to re-evaluate the recommendation made by the city of Penticton's own Community and Business Development Committee and provide council's endorsement of the Boonstock Music and Arts Festival."

The letter in full is on the council agenda on the city's website.

In other business, there is a recommendation from Councillor Helena Konanz that council direct staff to post elected officials expenses on the city website on a quarterly basis.

The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at City Hall.