People searching for the perfect local gift have additional choices this year thanks to recently expanded rules allowing liquor sales at artisan markets.

On Oct. 2, 2015, artisan markets were given the green light to allow liquor sales at their regularly-occurring and annual markets – provided the focus was on artisanal, handmade goods. Following this change, more than 50 holiday markets throughout the province invited B.C.-made liquor products to take their spot at the table. Close to 55 beer, cider, wine and spirits manufacturers answered the call, eager to take advantage of the new rules.

From Courtenay to Vernon, from Denman Island to Radium Hot Springs, B.C. wineries, breweries and distilleries had an opportunity to reach new crowds of shoppers looking for unique, useable local gifts.

Now, as most of the artisan markets are wrapping up for the season, the verdict is in: local liquor products are a hit with both shoppers and manufacturers alike.

Progress by Numbers:

• B.C. currently has over 300 grape, fruit and other wineries, more than 100 breweries and around 50 distilleries.
• Liquor sales at artisan markets builds on the popular June 2014 change, allowing B.C. liquor products to be sold alongside fresh fruits and veggies at B.C. farmers’ markets.

Quick Facts:

• All vendors selling liquor at craft fairs are required to have Serving It Right training.
• Artisan markets focus on high-quality, handmade goods and must be made up of at least six other vendors who do not sell or serve liquor – flea markets and commercial or import markets are not included.

Quotes:

Coralee Oakes, Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction and Responsible for the Liquor Distribution Branch –

“We know that people are visiting artisan markets because they want that unique, local gift-buying experience. The addition of hand-crafted spirits, wine and beer to the mix gives shoppers more gift options, and provides our B.C. liquor manufacturers with an opportunity to sell their products. It is a direct benefit to them, to their community and to their customers.”

Malte Kluetz, president, Vancouver Christmas Market –

“The addition of B.C. made wine, spirits and beer is a natural fit at our market. Sometimes you don’t know what to get the person who has everything, and now, we have even more options for the hard to buy people on your list. Our market happens during the festive party season, and a lot of our customers are looking for a little something to bring to their holiday shindigs – grabbing a nice bottle of wine or craft gin is a great option.”

Connect and join the conversation:

Twitter: @BCGovNews

Hashtags: #BCLiquor, #BuyLocalBC

Facebook: www.facebook.com/BCProvincialGovernment

Learn More:

Check out the original liquor sales in artisan markets announcement: https://news.gov.bc.ca/09491

The Vancouver Christmas Market is keeping its doors open until 6 p.m. on Dec. 24, 2015. Check out the vendors and learn more at: www.vancouverchristmasmarket.com