Early day motion tabled by primary sponsor David Heath (Liberal Democrat), on Tuesday, 25 March 2003, in the House of Commons. It is signed by 28 members in total.

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FARMERS' MARKETS AND THE LICENSING BILL

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.

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Secondary information

Type

Early day motion

Reference

940 

Session

2002-03

Subjects

Alcoholic drinks Farmers Markets Sales

Link

View this Early day motion on www.parliament.uk