Board Eyes Regulation of Alcohol Events

Exeter officials are taking a closer look at events on town property involving alcohol.

In October, the Exeter Area Chamber of Commerce held a "Powder Keg Beer & Chili Festival" on Swasey Parkway after gaining approval from town officials.

Town officials pulled out a one-day insurance certificate for the event for about $1,700, according to Town Manager Russ Dean. The chamber plans to hold the festival again this October.

Dean said the participating breweries picked up $1,500 of the insurance certificate. The chamber put in $100, and the town paid the remaining $100, he said.

Some Selectmen said Monday they are worried about the prospect of more and more events like the Powder Keg festival being held on public property like Swasey Parkway, since they could present liability problems.

"It's a slippery slope," said Selectmen Chairman Don Clement.

Under current regulations, a group needs approval from the police chief or parks director to hold an event on town property involving alcohol. Selectman Frank Ferraro suggested making Selectmen approval a requirement, too.

Selectman Dan Chartrand, however, said he's comfortable with the current regulations.

"I don't see what the issue is," Chartrand said.

Dean said he's waiting to review advice from Primex, the town's insurer, about the situation.

Selectmen agreed to review the regulations at future meetings.