Here's How Much Groton Received From 'Nickel-Per-Nip' Since April

GROTON, CT — In its third year, Connecticut's "nickel per nip" program has generated a total of $13.5 million for the state, according to a statement from the Wine and Spirit Wholesalers of CT.

A law passed in 2021 charges 5 cents for each sale of a 50-ml “nip” container of liquor at the point of sale. The program is designed to help cities and towns provide for the collection and proper disposal of nips to combat littering.

Twice a year each municipality receives 5 cents for each nip sold within its borders in the previous six months. In the most recent reporting period of April 1 to Sept. 30, $2.4 million was generated, an increase of $77,000 over the same period last year.

In the same time period, Groton made $44,756 through the program. According to the data, 895,137 nips were sold in the city.

The funding is intended for locally driven environmental stewardship programs. Data from the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of Connecticut shows that some cities and towns have used the funds to support recycling centers and litter-reduction initiatives.

"This program is working exactly as was intended when it became law in 2021," Larry Cafero, executive director of the Wine and Spirit Wholesalers of CT, said in a statement. "The revenue it generates is being used to clean up litter, and it's even enhanced recycling across the State. In a State where many residents care about the environment, that matters."