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Craft beers and spirits could soon be purchased at farmers’ markets

Aug 3, 2017 | 6:48 PM

EDMONTON –  The province calls it a ‘win-win’ situation for Alberta businesses and consumers.  Effective August 15th, craft beers and spirits will be permitted for sale at approved farmers’ markets across the province.

Cottage wines are already sold at farmers markets and Finance Minister Joe Ceci, says the change will help businesses widen their consumer base for locally produced craft beers.

“This is yet another way the Government of Alberta is cutting red tape and eliminating unnecessary regulatory burdens on small businesses and consumers. This policy also builds a new connection between local business and their local community while increasing access to locally made liquor products. This creates new business opportunities for entrepreneurs who are truly at the heart of this policy change.”

The province and Alberta Gaming and Liquor Control (AGLC) have also streamlined the licensing process and created a small manufacturers licence, which means there will now be a single licence, rather than multiple ones, to identify their manufacturing facilities and their licensed establishments.

The government notes that many of the 92 liquor manufacturers in Alberta have asked for greater opportunities to showcase their products.  Individual farmers’ markets will be permitted to decide whether to allow liquor sales at their market.