Craft liquor and fresh fish coming to Vancouver Farmers Markets

Two major changes are coming to Vancouver Farmers Markets this summer.

The City of Vancouver announced today (June 27) that it has launched a pilot program allowing for the sales of craft liquor at farmers markets. The program will allow B.C. liquor vendors—including craft beer, wine, and spirits—to sell and provide samples of products at designated farmers markets across the city.

“The sampling and vending of craft beer, wine and liquor presents opportunities to support local products and the local economy,” Mayor Gregor Robertson stated in a news release. “The City is pleased to announce that this one-season pilot will offer consumers more choices while adding diversity to our thriving farmers’ markets.”

Five farmers markets have been selected for the pilot program: Oak Street, Mount Pleasant, Kerrisdale Village, River District, and Yaletown markets. The program will run until the fall.

Also changing at the Vancouver Farmers Markets is that fish vendors are now permitted to sell fresh fish for the first time. Previously, only frozen products were allowed.

To help launch this amendment, the Trout Lake Farmers Market will host a salmon celebration on Saturday (June 28) from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Activities will include salmon filleting and smoking demos, talks about sustainable salmon farming, and food trucks featuring fresh sockeye salmon dishes.