Nip ban to reduce littering and alcohol-related emergency calls

  Ward 5 Councillor Vivian Nguyen made an ordinance banning the sale of nips, the small plastic liquor bottles which hold 1.7 ounces of alcohol, in the city during Monday’s City Council meeting at City Hall.

  Ward 2 Councillor Stephanie Martins said this item was added to the council agenda at the request of multiple residents, who complained about the excessive littering throughout the city. “Anyone can go out and see the nips everywhere,” Martins said. Martins said surrounding communities have the ban, which has not only reduced littering but cut down on alcohol-related emergency calls annually from 720 calls to 216 after the ban.

  Legislative Aide Michael Mangan said the council only has the authority to ask. Mangan filled in for City Clerk Sergio Cornelio, who took Councillor-at-Large Michael Marchese to the hospital after he experienced pain in his arm, according to a source who was present. “Eventually, it will get referred to the licensing board and it will be on their agenda,” Mangan said.

  Martins made a motion to refer the matter to City Solicitor Colleen Mejia for a response for confirmation at the next meeting. Ward 6 Councillor Alfred Lattanzi seconded the motion.

  Councillor-at-Large Stephanie Smith excused herself due a conflict of interest as her family owns liquor licenses in the city.