It is now legal for craft beer aficionados to buy their favourite ales at Alberta farmers’ markets.

A new policy introduced on August 15 approved the sale of beer and spirits at these venues, but just because it’s allowed now doesn’t mean you’ll find them there right away.

The province says this move will allow small businesses to increase their customer base, and consumers will have more ways to purchase their favourite liquor while supporting local producers.

“This policy also builds a new connection between local business and their local community while increasing access to locally made liquor products,” Minister of Finance Joe Ceci said in a press release. “This creates new business opportunities for entrepreneurs who are truly at the heart of this policy change.”

Jeff Cummins, excited by the chance to buy beer at some of the markets he frequents, unfortunately went home empty-handed.

 

“It was like walking through a desert,” Cummins said. “It’s like, ‘where’s the beer?’ My wife and I went to Strathcona as well, and had no luck there, so we’re thirsty.”

Markets are already packed with vendors, and since it’s almost the end of the season, breweries may be left out for now. City Market Chair Sarb Dhaliwal says some breweries have applied, and they hope to be up-and-running when the market moves inside this fall.

“Once the markets approve you as a vendor, then you go back to AGLC and they will extend your current permit to allow you to sell beer,” City Market Chair Sarb Dhaliwal told CTV News.

Cummins may not have been able to pick-up a six-pack to go, but at least he didn’t go home thirsty. He was able to drink a beer at a nearby pub.

 

“I’ll be back here next week, and the week after, and the week after that.”

With files from Jeremy Thompson