Relaxed B.C. liquor laws allow booze at farmers' markets

Shoppers frequenting farmers' markets in B.C. can now buy beer along with their veggies.

New liquor laws allow alcohol manufacturers to apply to farmers markets to sell products. Then it will be up to the market associations to determine which producers are accepted, subject to approval by municipal bylaws.

The announcement was made this past Sunday at the Kerrisdale Farmers' Market, following a notice on Friday that B.C. now officially has a Happy Hour.

READ: B.C. gets greenlight to buy booze in supermarkets next winter

"Being able to pick up a bottle of local wine at your local farmers' market is one of many balanced changes that support convenience and choice for consumers and economic growth for B.C.," said Suzanne Anton, minister of justice, in a statement.

In an article from the Vancouver Sun, Jon Bell, president of the B.C. Association of Farmers' Markets said allowing the sale of booze at farmers markets will create economic opportunities for local businesses by bringing in more shoppers and promoting the sale of locally-grown food.

In January, the government endorsed 73 recommendations to change B.C.'s liquor laws, 17 of which have been carried out to date. Anton said the relaxation of its liquor laws would be carried out in two phases. The first includes alcohol sold at farmers' markets, happy hours with special drink prices and alcohol zones at festivals without using the usual fencing.

Alcohol sales are expected to be allowed in B.C. grocery stores this winter.