Boston May Be Banning ‘Nips’ – Small Bottles of Booze
Newton, Chelsea, Wareham, Mashpee, Nantucket, and Falmouth have already jumped on board. Mini alcohol bottles (50 or 100 ml) known as “nips” have been prohibited in those Massachusetts cities. Yesterday, Boston City Councilor Ricardo Arroyo suggested that Boston entertain following this movement. Boston.com has reported that Arroyo proposed a hearing to take place for the Boston Public Health Commission and Licensing Board. As a result, Boston may be banning nips in the future.
“The data is clear that in cities that have banned the sale of nips there is a significant and positive impact on public health.” Arroyo explained through a press release.
Arroyo went into further detail on the various benefits of prohibiting the sale of nips.
Environmental Reasons
Nips bottles can not be recycled. They are one of the most common items littered in the streets and public parks. Furthermore, they are lightweight when empty. They are easily crushed or blown around in wind gusts. In his pitch, Arroyo detailed, “In the Hyde Park neighborhood of Boston, residents in efforts of reducing litter collected 10,000 nips in less than two months highlighting the impact littering has on our communities.”
Wellness and Emergencies
Limiting the access to nips would improve the amount of alcohol-related emergency calls and responses. According to statistics obtained by Boston.com, the city of Chelsea reported that the saw a fewer amount of emergency calls with this ban in place.
“The Boston Licensing Board has the authority to prohibit the sale of nips or single containers of beer when granting a liquor store license,” the report points out. There will be a city council meeting on Wednesday. Arroyo’s hearing order will be presented. It would take time for a decision to be made that would lead to an implementation, however. Nonetheless, Arroyo has raised a concern that is bound to get the attention of the Public Health and Licensing Board.