As expected, Gov. Paul LePage has vetoed an amended measure that would impose a 5 cent deposit on small liquor bottles known as nips.
In his veto message, the governor expressed concern about the cost of implementation, which he says would total more than a $1 million. He also worries that legislators will see the state’s liquor business as a way to fund pet causes.
LePage says, if proponents of the bill are truly concerned about the litter caused by discarded 50 ml bottles, they could either increase penalties for tossing the bottles or discontinue their sale altogether.
The governor has threatened to ban the sale of nips if the legislature adds them to the state’s deposit law.
So far there’s been no legislative action on overriding the veto.
