The issue of banning “nip” bottles in Fairhaven
At annual Town Meeting on May 3rd, there was a “spirited” debate regarding whether glass nip bottles should be legal to sell in Fairhaven.
The debate against them focused a lot on the roadside litter they cause, which to me is very valid in its own right, but some argue, “what about coffee cups, takeout wrappers, etc.? How practical would it be to ban them all?”
As a mental health professional, I believe there is more to consider. How often have you bought alcohol nips to drink at home or at someone else’s home? If your answer is not very often then ask why do people buy nips to begin with, especially the ones that end up on the roadsides? Usually, to drink in public, while driving, or before or at work. All are places where drinking is illegal.
Our laws, just as our businesses, benefit the majority of us when they are socially responsible. Littering and public drinking are not. Most roadside litter, while still a problem, is legal to use or consume publicly while alcohol isn’t. By banning nips, we are promoting socially responsible behavior.
Christopher Andersen, LMHC, Fairhaven Town Meeting member/ Precinct 5
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