As expected, the Everett Farmers Market will be one of the 10 around the state in a pilot project allowing wine and beer tastings.
Legislators approved the tasting pilot to last from Sept. 1 through Nov. 1 and asked for a report in December 2012.
“This pilot is another avenue for Washington’s breweries and wineries to educate customers about their products,” Sharon Foster, chairman of the state’s liquor control board, said in a statement.
Some 40 markets applied. Those selected include: Pike Place Market, between Pine and Steward streets, West Seattle Farmers Market, 4400 S.W. Alaska St. and Magnolia Farmers Market, 2550 34th Ave. W., all three in Seattle; Vancouver Farmers Market, 605 Esther St.; Everett Farmers Market Inc., 1600 W. Marine View Drive; Vashon Farmers Market, Village Green, 17511 Vashon Highway S.; Liberty Lake Farmers Market, 1421 N. Meadowwood Lane; Proctor Farmers Market, N. 27th St. between Proctor and Madison in Tacoma; Pasco Farmers Market, Fourth and Columbia; Wenatchee Valley Farmers Market, Columbia Street between First and Palouse.
The rules call for participating markets to have at least six days of tastings during the pilot using Washington state businesses endorsed by the liquor board.
The tests are similar to what’s been happening in grocery stores recently, except for they involve in-state brewers and wine makers.
Only one brewery, microbrewery or winery may offer samples per day, serving two ounces or less.
Customers can have up to a total of four ounces and someone from the business has to be there to serve and observe.
Enforcement officers will be announced and unannounced visits to ensure compliance.
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