Liquor added to wares peddled at Vernon Farmers Market

VERNON – The City of Vernon is following the lead of other municipalities in the province and allowing the local farmers’ market to sell alcohol products.

City council voted this week to amend the city policy to allow the sale, and sampling, of liquor at the market.

Breweries, distilleries, meaderies and wineries have all expressed an interest in selling their wares.

“It’s going to be another unique product and will be good to pair with the whole foodie experience,” Vernon Farmers Market manager Ingrid Baron said.

The recently updated Liquor Control and Licensing Branch already allows the sale of booze at markets, but municipal bylaws need to be updated as well.

The Vernon Farmers Market is held on Mondays and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Kal Tire Place parking lot, and the Avenue Market goes Fridays from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on 30 Avenue downtown.

The City of Penticton recently gave its support for the sale of liquor at farmers' markets.

Performing Arts Centre Liquor Changes Coming

Meanwhile, city council is supporting the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre’s application to the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch to serve alcohol throughout the facility.

The application asks that beer and wine be allowed in the seating area, reception hall, greenroom, stage, dressing rooms, kitchen and receiving area.

Right now, patrons can only drink in the lobby.

The Vernon RCMP have also supported the application.

To contact the reporter for this story, email Howard Alexander at halexander@infonews.ca or call 250-491-0331. To contact the editor, email mjones@infonews.ca or call 250-718-2724.