The Lexington Farmers’ Market (LFM) is seeking to take advantage of new legislation, recently signed by Gov. Deval Patrick, that allows the sale of wine at approved agricultural events in Massachusetts.
On Monday, Feb. 7, Market Manager Deb Jackson presented the Board of Selectmen with a proposal for a liquor license, which would permit local vintner Nate Benjamin to sell wine at the LFM. Benjamin, owner of Charlton Orchards, has been a vendor at the LFM for six years. He is currently selling wine at the Wayland Winter Farmers’ Market.
The board did not vote on the proposal but Selectman George Burnell seemed enthusiastic about the idea.
“Provided that there is no stones in the road on this particular issue, I think it is certainly worth the adventure to see how it all pans out,” he said.
Turning to face Benjamin, Burnell added, “If you get any good old-fashioned hard apple cider, sign me up now.”
On August 5, 2010, Governor Patrick signed S 2582: An Act Relative to Economic Development Reorganization that provides for the sale of wine from a licensed farm winery at approved agricultural events in Massachusetts. According to the legislation, agricultural events such as farmers markets, fairs and festivals must be approved and certified by the Department of Agricultural Resources before a winery can apply for the appropriate license from the local licensing authority.
