Exeter Planning Board Approves New Ordinance for Farm Cafes and Breweries

The Exeter Town Council meeting on May 5, 2025, focused on establishing new regulations for the development of farm cafes within farm breweries. The council discussed the need for "guardrails" to ensure that these establishments maintain their intended purpose and do not evolve into full-scale restaurants.

Key discussions included the classification of minor land development for farm cafes, which will require specific design stipulations to prevent issues such as inadequate parking and zoning violations. The council emphasized the importance of limiting kitchen sizes to ensure that food service remains secondary to the brewery's primary function. A service window for ordering food was proposed to further reinforce this limitation.

A significant point of contention was the sourcing of ingredients for the cafes. The council settled on a requirement that at least 51% of menu items must be sourced from local producers within a 125-mile radius. This decision followed extensive debate about the feasibility of sourcing local ingredients, especially during winter months.

To ensure compliance with these new regulations, the council mandated annual reporting from farm cafes to the town planner and council. This reporting will include documentation of local ingredient sourcing, helping to maintain the integrity of the farm-to-table concept.

The council also clarified definitions related to farm cafes and their operational standards, ensuring that these establishments align with the town's zoning ordinances. The new regulations aim to support local agriculture while providing a framework for sustainable business practices in Exeter.