Craft liquor and beer coming to Alberta farmers markets

Craft Alberta liquor and beer should be available at farmers marketsby mid-month.

Minister of Finance JoeCecimade the announcement about the upcoming changes to liquor policy at theBridgeland Riverside FarmersMarket on Thursday afternoon.

Alberta's small brewers and distillers will be able to register and sell their products atfarmers and artisan markets throughout Alberta starting Aug. 15. It will be up to the individualmarket organizers to decide which producers will beselling at their markets.

"Cottage" wine has beensold at approved farmers markets since 2008.

• Alberta government relaxes patio regulations

"This opportunity is especially important to the smallest producers who would appreciate being able to garner attention in the local community and expose their products to new customers," Ceci said.

Tastings will also be allowed at markets.

There will be a single manufacturing licence for producers, so wineries, brew pubs and breweries won't needan additional licence to slightly shift their focus, Ceci said.

"This practical change cuts red tape," he said.

• Leduc pub's self-serve beer wall a first in Alberta

Acting president of the Alberta Liquor and Gaming Commission says he doesn't have any concerns about products ending up in the hands of under-aged Albertans.

"Cottage wineries in Alberta have been at farmers markets for about 10 years now and we haven't had any problems," said Alain Maisonneuve.

"Whether in a farmers market or in a pub, or a bar, or arestaurant, your servers have been trained and that will continue."

• MORE ALBERTA NEWS |'It's the right thing to do': Circle the Wagons festival changing its name
• MORE ALBERTA NEWS |Former Wildrose members look to form Alberta Advantage Party