FARMERS' MARKETS AND THE LICENSING BILL

EDM number 940 in 2002-03, proposed by David Heath on 25/03/2003.

That this House expresses its concern that the sale of locally-produced cider and wines at farmers' markets may be curtailed by provisions within the Licensing Bill; recognises that farmers' markets, country fairs and agricultural shows represent important opportunities for small-scale producers; understands that market organisers will be required to acquire a personal licence; notes that because sales of alcoholic produce usually comprise only a small part of a market's activities, and because acquiring a licence incurs significant monetary and bureaucratic costs, many organisers will not feel it is worthwhile to do so; further notes that farmers and wine growers who do hold a personal licence will only be able to apply for fifty temporary notices when many sell at around 150 venues; believes that these unnecessary costs run counter to the Curry Report's call for enhanced support to farmers' markets and rural economies; and calls on the Government to recognise the needs of small-scale producers and to amend the Licensing Bill accordingly.

This motion has been signed by a total of 28 MPs.