A potential ban on miniature bottles of alcohol is up for a vote in Plymouth this month. The initiative has sparked a heated debate among residents, with strong opinions on both sides of the issue. The ban was first approved by the Plymouth Town Meeting in October, but now a local package store owner is fighting back, putting the matter up for a special townwide vote on January 13.
Dr. Ken Stone, a resident spearheading the ban, expressed concerns about the environmental impact of the miniature bottles, commonly known as nips. Stone stated that during cleanups, they collected a staggering 14,000 nips in just four days. He believes that banning the sale of these small liquor bottles could help reduce litter and problem drinking in the town.
However, the potential ban has faced significant backlash. Pioppi’s Package Store owner, Paul Balboni, argues that his business would suffer a significant blow if the ban were implemented. Balboni estimates that he could lose anywhere from 15 to 40 percent of his business, resulting in potential staff layoffs. He also asserts that customers who typically purchase nips would likely turn to other products such as beer, cigarettes, lottery tickets, or wine, causing the entire sale to leave the store.
The issue of banning miniature liquor bottles is not unique to Plymouth. Several other communities, including Chelsea, Falmouth, and Newton, have already implemented similar bans. Stone believes that despite not solving all the problems associated with drinking, the ban would make a major difference.
The upcoming special referendum comes at a cost, estimated by the Plymouth Town Clerk to be upwards of $57,000. Early voting is set to start on January 6 at Town Hall, with polls opening townwide on Saturday, January 13.
Residents are divided on the potential ban. Longtime resident Paul Abraham expressed his opposition, stating that litter is a broader issue and not solely limited to nips. He believes that banning miniature liquor bottles will not solve the problem. However, Stone argues that it would have a significant impact and improve the drinking culture in the town.
The fate of the ban on miniature alcohol bottles in Plymouth will be decided by the townwide vote on January 13. The outcome will not only determine the sale of nips but also potentially affect local businesses and the litter problem in the area.
