Wine For Sale at the Farmers Markets?
It might seem like a big big dream, but that's just what FMFM (the Federation of Massachusetts Farmers Markets) is hoping for if a bill currently in the Senate passes. Wouldn't that be nice, to pick up a lovely Westport Rivers sparkler to have with the fish you get from the next-door booth at the Brookline Market? Or a Turtle Creek Cabernet Franc to enjoy alongside meat from Stillmans and yummy summer broccoli?
Jeff from FMFM sent over the following information outlining the bill and asking for help:
I have helped (along with many others) local winery folks to propose legislation that will allow sales of local farm wine at farmers markets (provided ABCC provisions are followed of course). We have a bill: S 400, that is before the legislature. The core of it is: "Notwithstanding any other provision of Chapter 138, in any city or town wherein the granting of licenses to sell wines, malt beverages or alcoholic beverages is authorized under this chapter, the local licensing authority may issue to any person currently licensed in this or any other state as a wine producer, beer producer, or distilled spirits producer a special license for the sale of wine, beer or spirits produced by the person so licensed in sealed containers for off-premise consumption at State Fair, County Fair, and recognized farmers’ market operated on a not-for-profit basis to individuals that are at least 21 years of age. The special permit shall stipulate the premises and times covered as well as any other restrictions imposed by the local authority. A licensee under this section may provide, without charge, samples of wine, beer, or spirits to prospective customers at the State Fair, county Fair, and recognized farmer’s market; provided , however, that no single serving of wine shall exceed one ounce, no single serving of malt beverages shall exceed two ounces and no single service of liqueurs, cordial or spirits shall exceed ¼ of an ounce. All samples of wine, beer or spirits shall be served by an agent, representative, or solicitor of the person currently licensed in this or any other state to individuals that are at least 21 years of age and all samples must be consumed in the presence of the agent, representative, or solicitor from the farm winery. The local licensing authority may charge a fee for each such permit but such charge or fee shall not exceed fifty dollars. The commission may promulgate rules and regulations necessary to effectuate its alcohol oversight, licensing and enforcement purposes under this chapter."
Are you able to ask Slow Fooders to contact their legislators in support of this bill? Its passage would certainly be a big boost to the farmers market industry, help local farms, and bring more farmers (and more diversity) to markets across the state.
If you'd like to see the full text of the bill, check it out here.
We definitely will toast to the idea!
Jeff from FMFM sent over the following information outlining the bill and asking for help:
I have helped (along with many others) local winery folks to propose legislation that will allow sales of local farm wine at farmers markets (provided ABCC provisions are followed of course). We have a bill: S 400, that is before the legislature. The core of it is: "Notwithstanding any other provision of Chapter 138, in any city or town wherein the granting of licenses to sell wines, malt beverages or alcoholic beverages is authorized under this chapter, the local licensing authority may issue to any person currently licensed in this or any other state as a wine producer, beer producer, or distilled spirits producer a special license for the sale of wine, beer or spirits produced by the person so licensed in sealed containers for off-premise consumption at State Fair, County Fair, and recognized farmers’ market operated on a not-for-profit basis to individuals that are at least 21 years of age. The special permit shall stipulate the premises and times covered as well as any other restrictions imposed by the local authority. A licensee under this section may provide, without charge, samples of wine, beer, or spirits to prospective customers at the State Fair, county Fair, and recognized farmer’s market; provided , however, that no single serving of wine shall exceed one ounce, no single serving of malt beverages shall exceed two ounces and no single service of liqueurs, cordial or spirits shall exceed ¼ of an ounce. All samples of wine, beer or spirits shall be served by an agent, representative, or solicitor of the person currently licensed in this or any other state to individuals that are at least 21 years of age and all samples must be consumed in the presence of the agent, representative, or solicitor from the farm winery. The local licensing authority may charge a fee for each such permit but such charge or fee shall not exceed fifty dollars. The commission may promulgate rules and regulations necessary to effectuate its alcohol oversight, licensing and enforcement purposes under this chapter."
Are you able to ask Slow Fooders to contact their legislators in support of this bill? Its passage would certainly be a big boost to the farmers market industry, help local farms, and bring more farmers (and more diversity) to markets across the state.
If you'd like to see the full text of the bill, check it out here.
We definitely will toast to the idea!
posted by Willow Blish at 3:18 PM
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