NIPS: Where Do We Go From Here? (Part 1) - Liquor License Advisor

The issue has evolved over time – initially, in 2017 the focus was on preventing a “ban” on the popular products. The biggest complaints are the littering of disposable containers around the store and in the community. With the state now being a “pay as you throw” community, there’s no way for consumers to dispose of the empties in public so they often end up on the ground.

The appeal is they are convenient and up to 100 ml container is in high demand – it is 3-tier compliant and makes up anywhere from 5-30% of sales for stores depending on their location and demographic they serve according to Robert Mellion, Massachusetts Package Stores Association Executive Director & General Counsel.

Nips have evolved from being spirit-based to now having malt-based options which means that the supply and demand market for these is about to explode even further as owners with wine and malt licenses would also be able to carry them, perpetuating the underlining problem. There’s nowhere to dispose of these bottles conveniently and they are an eyesore, typically in the direct surrounding area of the store.

What’s The Solution?

A realistic approach over the past two years has come to light as it’s clear the opposition and environmentalists are putting on the pressure to either banned them or at the very least, do something about it.

A Coalition has been formed to address short-term and long-term solutions for keeping miniatures around.

Short-term Focus Includes:

-      Prevent a ban on the product as it’s a product of convenience and high demand,

-      Organizing cleanups through “Pick Up Massachusetts” which is sponsored by the alcohol beverage industry in partnership with Keep Mass Beautiful.

The Long-term Focus Includes:

-      Expanding the Bottle Bill to include miniatures & expanding the handling fee;

-      Supporting sustainable practices and preventing environmentalists from moving to ban the product.

According to Robert Mellion of MPSA, there’s a need to get ahead of the problem and be a part of the solution as the only other option is banning them like what has happened in states like New Mexico. It would be a big hit to some retailers to have Nips completely taken out of their inventory so together, they are becoming a part of the solution.

If you’d like to read PART 2 of this series or are interested in more industry "hot" topics, check out our monthly publication, "The Advisor Magazine" for full details.