Title
Wednesday Evening Pilot Market
Memorandum
On June 1, 2011 the Ann Arbor Farmers Market launched the Wednesday Evening Pilot Market. Vendors, shoppers, and local businesses have expressed enthusiastic support of this new market project. Running between 4:30-8:30 PM on Wednesday evenings from June through September will allow those who work downtown, as well as area families, a perfect opportunity to enjoy the Farmers Market.
In conjunction with the Wednesday Evening Pilot Market, local non-profit organizations have expressed a desire to reserve an area of the Farmers Market to host tastings of Michigan beer and wine upon receipt of an approved Special License from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC). Each week, one non-profit organization would manage and operate this tasting as a way to highlight their organization and a fundraiser for them. Non-profit organizations will be charged appropriate stall fees.
A Special License can only be obtained by a bona fide non-profit organization to sell beer and wine for consumption within a defined area on the premises for a one-day period. An organization can obtain up to 10 Special Licenses per year upon application and approval by the MLCC. Local law enforcement approval is also required as part of the application process with the MLCC. The participation of each non-profit organization would be contingent upon the receipt of an approved application for special license for the sale of beer and wine from the MLCC.
Staff is supportive of this request of local non-profit organizations as this will add to the atmosphere and ambiance of the market, while providing an area for market goers to meet and interact, further strengthening connections within the local food community.
Staff
Prepared by: Molly Notarianni, Market Manager
Approved by: Colin Smith, Parks & Recreation Services Manager and Sumedh Bahl, Community Services Area Administrator