One of the Carmel Farmers Market’s newest vendors, the Indiana Whiskey Co., is no longer at the market on Saturdays because of a disagreement between a member of the Indiana State Legislature and the Indiana Alcohol & Tobacco Commission.
Ron Carter, a Carmel city councilor and president of the Carmel Farmers Market, said a distributor of liquor came to the market, then called an Indiana state senator to complain because the distributor interpreted it as unfair and unlawful competition. Carter said Indiana law allows distilleries to sell at festival booths. The question is whether a farmers market fits that description.
“We certainly hope that the misinterpretation by one of the members of the Indiana Legislature gets cleared up in the next week so our new vendor, who has been proven to be very popular, can return to the farmers market,” Carter said.
Carter said he’s examined both sides of this issue. He said he’s spoken with liquor distributors and understands how in many small towns the local liquor store might be one of the few locally owned businesses that survives throughout the years. He said he wants to quickly resolve the issue.
Indiana Whiskey Co. could not be reached for comment.
