The provincial government's announcement last week that B.C.-made wines, beers and spirits can now be sold at artisanal markets comes too late for this year's Studio Fair.
The move, announced Friday by the provincial government, follows on one last year to allow sales of B.C.-made liquor at farmers markets and was billed as "just in time for the holiday season," in a press release.
But it came as a surprise to Wendy Young, executive director of the Community Arts Council, which hosts what is the largest of the Christmas craft fairs in the city.
"We weren't expecting a change like this," Young said Monday.
She said vendors for what is the city's largest Christmas crafts fair - starting Oct. 30 and running until Nov. 1 at the Civic Centre - were confirmed months ago following a jurying process in the spring.
And while it's likely the CAC will take advantage of the opportunity, Young said some steps still need to be taken. They include getting answers to concerns about liability and, if need be, developing a policy.
"We have to look at responsibility," Young said. "Even though nothing would probably happen, we have to be prepared in the event that something might happen.
"The policy may not need to be changed but the board needs to review it and have at least an informal appraisal of it and stance."
However, pending approval from the CAC's board of directors, Young said liquor sales could be in place by the time the Spring Arts Bazaar comes around.
"We are intrigued with the potential that is there because we have all kinds of artisans in the area, we have a local vintner, we have a local brewer as well," Young said.
"There are all kinds of different possibilities that could come from this."
