Ban on ‘Nips’ Fails to Get Panel Approval

Gov. Paul LePage's proposed prohibition on miniature booze sales, also known as 'nips',  is dead after a key vote from the state's liquor commission.

According to the Associated Press, the Louisiana-based producer of the Fireball Cinnamon Whiskey and industry groups fought against the Republican governor's proposed prohibition on in-state sales of 50-milliliter alcohol bottles.

The LePage-appointed liquor commission voted 3-1 Tuesday to maintain the status quo.

The alcohol company Sazerac called the proposal politically motivated and lacking evidence. Sazerac threatened to reconsider a planned expansion of its Lewiston plant.

The fight began when LePage unsuccessfully opposed a Democrat's amended bill to reduce littering by adding a five-cent bottle deposit to the tiny liquor bottles.

LePage first said the bill would increase state redemption costs and later said it didn't do enough to combat drunken driving according to the AP.