Homegrown Farmers’ Market to start offering craft beer this year

Residents who shop at the Homegrown Farmers’ Market near the Moose Jaw Public Library this year will be able to purchase craft alcohol from vendors along with their usual food items. 

During its March 27 regular meeting, city council unanimously voted to approve the organization’s request to sell alcohol for offsite consumption on the 400 block of Langdon Crescent on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. starting Saturday, May 27 and ending Saturday, Oct. 7. 

Market organizers estimate that about 200 people will attend each Saturday to enjoy a specially crafted beer that two vendors will brew up. 

Municipal approval is required for this request because the farmers’ market must obtain the proper permits from the Saskatchewan Liquor and Gaming Authority (SLGA), a council report explained. 

Meanwhile, the city’s alcohol use events policy does not specifically mention alcohol sales permits for offsite consumption, so council approval is required. 

With the popularity of craft brewing vendors on the rise, city administration will review the City of Moose Jaw’s alcohol use events policy this year to ensure policies and procedures are developed for similar requests in the future, the report said. 

The department of public works and recreation recommended that council approve the request so long as the farmers’ market follows several conditions. 

Some conditions include the organization complying with all rules under the provincial Alcohol and Gaming Regulation Act, securing and displaying all necessary SLGA licences and approvals, maintaining $2 million in public liability insurance, and being responsible for all event costs, including provisions for washrooms.  

In its application, market organizers said that Loraas Disposal will supply a portable toilet each Saturday until the Thanksgiving long weekend.

“This is a very good initiative,” said Coun. Kim Robinson. “I know that (with) the local brewers (we have) — with Luby Bower and a couple of others (like Honey Pot Distillery) — I would certainly like to see this come to fruition.”

The next regular council meeting is Monday, April 10.