farmersmarket.jpg
The typical fruit and vegetable fair at farmers markets will soon be joined by local beer and wine. (KIRO Radio/file)

Senate OKs wine and beer at farmers markets

February 22, 2011 @ 2:18 pm (Updated: 1:30 pm - 3/28/11 )

By ALEX SILVERMAN
KIRO Radio

An overwhelming yes vote in the state Senate gives the go ahead for wine and beer tastings at farmers markets in our state.

A limited number of Washington farmers markets, 10 in the new pilot program, would be allowed to offer samples of wine and beer available for purchase, under a bill approved by the state Senate.

The program will be overseen by the state Liquor Control Board and will run from July 1, 2012 until Sept. 30, 2012.

Wineries and microbreweries offering samples would have to provide food or be adjacent to a food vendor. The samples will be limited to two ounces each, just four ounces total and you're cut off.

Sen. Jean Kohl-Welles, the Seattle Democrat sponsoring the bill, says it would allow local businesses to promote their products and gain wider exposure.

The Associated Press contributed to this report

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Comments (5)


  • Add A Comment

  • Weiser Postban wrote...
    Imagine that...
    February 22, 2011 3:39 pm
    Us adults allowed to act like adults... something strange is going on here!
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • rimshot wrote...
    I would like to thank
    February 22, 2011 4:17 pm
    the State Senate for the go ahead...but this is a no brainer. Congratulations to the wineries and breweries. I will always taste before I buy given the opportunity.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Cliff Hanger wrote...
    Do we come drunk?
    February 22, 2011 4:30 pm
    Or get our drink on there?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • wonderfullone wrote...
    I'd like to know which markets
    February 22, 2011 8:37 pm
    .
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • RnD_Fan wrote...
    Four ounces total!, that's two tastes and you're done?
    February 23, 2011 10:50 am
    Useless!

    Lip service at best.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }