The Goldstream Farmers Market will be able to sell and sample locally produced alcohol in the upcoming market season.

B次元官网网址淲e love our market,B次元官网网址� said Coun. Lillian Szpak. B次元官网网址淲e look forward to them growing and flourishing.B次元官网网址�

The approval came after representatives from the local market asked council to reconsider allowing its vendors to sell and sample locally made wine, cider and mead. Szpak and Mike Leskiw, LangfordB次元官网网址檚 manager of parks and recreation, sat down with representatives of the Goldstream Farmers Market and the local business community last month B次元官网网址� at councilB次元官网网址檚 request B次元官网网址� to discuss the matter in detail.

Concerns were voiced at the meeting that the market could undercut the prices of businesses selling alcohol. But market vendors, unlike stores, will only be able to sell alcohol one bottle at a time and not by the case. And as with liquor merchants, their prices are dictated largely by provincial regulations.

Szpak said area businesses could benefit, because if customers like what theyB次元官网网址檝e purchased at the market, they may look for it in stores. B次元官网网址淭hatB次元官网网址檚 where weB次元官网网址檙e seeing a mutual benefit B次元官网网址� I think we found a good compromise.B次元官网网址�

Council decided to allow for up to two stalls to sample and sell alcohol at the market.

Despite a relatively new batch of liquor laws that allow for the tasting and sale of alcohol at farmers markets across the province, the local market has not been able to include those activities due to its location. Since the market takes place in Veterans Memorial Park, sampling would directly contradict Langford bylaws that prohibit the consumption of alcohol in parks.

Council has previously considered B次元官网网址� and rejected B次元官网网址� this request twice, stating no alcohol should be consumed at Veterans Memorial Park. Some council members have even gone as far as to state that the sale of alcohol would be disrespectful to the parkB次元官网网址檚 legacy.

However, Szpak said B次元官网网址渢hat didnB次元官网网址檛 come up this time at all.B次元官网网址�

She did say council would check back in with market representatives at the end of the season to see how this compromise was working. B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檝e worked together for over 10 years B次元官网网址� WeB次元官网网址檝e had a highly collaborative relationship,B次元官网网址� she added, one that has often proven mutually beneficial.

Not only does the market add to the community culturally, she said, it attracts people to the area who then use other services or shop at other businesses in Langford.

Elaine Baglo, Goldstream Farmers Market manager, said their board is thrilled with councilB次元官网网址檚 decision, especially with the market heading into its 10th year in Langford. She noted there are already a couple of local wineries interested in becoming vendors.

This season will see the market grow, with vendors selling everything from meat and baked goods to produce and wine B次元官网网址� all the elements to make a full meal. Baglo noted their selection of artisan crafters is also expanding.

The first market of the year takes place on Saturday, May 7, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. There will be cake, free plants, entertainment by the Rollie Barrett Band and a park full of vendors, including one marketing wine.

Applications are being accepted from potential vendors. For more information go to goldstreamfarmersmarket.ca.

katie@goldstreamgazette.com