Booze in BC farmers markets

Photo: Bill Everitt

Alcohol can now be sold at farmers markets in BC, now all that remains is for cities to allow it as well.

Alcohol can now be sold at farmers markets in British Columbia, and pubs may accommodate minors.

New liquor laws allow alcohol manufacturers to apply to farmers markets to sell products.

Market associations then determine which producers are accepted, subject to approval by municipal bylaws.

Pubs and legions can apply to accommodate minors, who must be accompanied by an adult and can stay no later than 10 p.m.

The province says this change opens up new dining options for rural communities, where the number of family restaurants may be limited.

In January, the government endorsed 73 recommendations to change B.C.'s liquor laws, 17 of which have been carried out to date.

The City of Kelowna has not yet passed the required bylaws to allow alcohol in farmers markets.