Liquor Sales at Farmers’ Markets
Latest update
Since Apr. 16, 2020, the Provincial Health Officer ordered that vendors, who are liquor manufacturers with an on-site retail endorsement and are selling at markets (also known as “farmers markets” or “community markets”), must comply with the following conditions:
- You must not provide samples of your products for tasting at a market; and
- You must sell your products at a market in sealed retail containers, such as bottles, cartons, boxes and cans.
With the exceptions due to COVID noted above, there are no other changes to existing regulations for the sale of liquor at in person farmers’ markets.
Read the note to liquor vendors at markets (published on april 16, 2020)
Liquor Control and Licensing Branch policy directives, policies and procedures
Read below the directives from the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch Policy Directives for details regarding eligibility of vendors and farmers’ markets, and policies and procedures for obtaining a Farmers’ Market Authorization:
- BC Liquor Control and Licensing Branch – Policy Directive Re: Liquor sales at farmers’ markets (June 21, 2014)
- BC Liquor Control and Licensing Branch – Policy Directive Re: Expansion of (Farmers’) Market eligibility criteria (October 2, 2015)
For further information regarding liquor control and licensing in British Columbia, visit the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch
Liquor & Online BC Farmers’ Markets
There are regulations for licensed liquor manufacturers/vendors who sell liquor products online. Current regulations require that liquor manufacturers/vendors only sell directly from their own manufacturer/business website.
The promotion of liquor vendors/manufacturers through online farmers’ market stores is entirely acceptable. However, the actual receipt of orders and payment for liquor purchases must be done directly from the liquor manufacturer/vendors’ own business website.
- Farmers’ markets can promote liquor manufacturers/vendors on your online market store and that they will be present at your farmers’ market. Your online market store just cannot receive orders or payments for liquor products.
For more information about liquor sales at BC farmers’ markets:
- Frequently Asked Questions (for markets) – Liquor at BC Farmers’ Markets (BC Liquor Control and Licensing Branch)
- To serve liquor in a farmers’ market, a Special Event Permit is needed (BC Liquor and Cannabis regulation Branch).
- BC Beer, Wine and Liquor Sales at Farmers’ Markets – BCAFM Conference presentation (BC Liquor Control and Licensing Branch)