Politics & Government
Here's How Much Greenwich Received From 'Nickel-Per-Nip' Since April 2025
Each town in Connecticut receives 5 cents for each "nip" sold within its borders every six months.

GREENWICH, CT — Connecticut’s "nickel-per-nip" environmental fee program generated over $2.49 million around the state from April 1 through Sept. 30, 2025, including $6,132 in Greenwich, according to a report from the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of Connecticut.
The latest reporting period represents an increase of $45,000 over the same period last year.
According to the data, 122,648 nips were sold in Greenwich from April 1 through Sept. 30, 2025.
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Funding from the program 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.
The program recently passed its four-year anniversary on Oct. 1, and it has now generated approximately $19 million for cities and towns across Connecticut, the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of Connecticut said in a news release.
Find out what's happening in Greenwichfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Under a law passed in 2021, a 5-cent surcharge is placed on the sale of each 50 ml "nip" container of alcohol at the point of sale. Every April and October, each municipality receives 5 cents for each nip sold within its borders during the preceding six months.
"After four years in action, it's never been clearer that this program is a resounding success for Connecticut," said Larry Cafero, the executive director and general counsel of the Wine and Spirit Wholesalers. "I applaud the legislature for their innovative thinking here, and I look forward to watching this continue to benefit our great state."
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