Hanson Town Meeting Maintains Ban on "Nips," Approves Vocational School Agreement

Residents vote to keep miniature alcohol bottle prohibition, consider restoring cut positions

HANSON, MA - October 7 - Hanson residents voted to maintain the town's ban on the sale of miniature alcohol bottles, known as "nips," during a spirited special town meeting Monday night. The gathering also saw approval for changes to the South Shore Regional Technical School agreement and discussions on restoring positions cut during spring budget reductions.

The meeting, moderated by Sean Kealy, drew a crowd of over 200 residents to debate and vote on 23 articles.

In a close vote of 97-109, townspeople rejected Article 22, which sought to repeal the ban on “nips” passed at the May 6 annual town meeting. The ban, set to take effect Jan. 1, 2025, prohibits the sale of single-use miniature alcohol containers in Hanson.

Proponents of the repeal argued the ban would hurt local businesses and infringe on consumer choice. Steve Luke, whose family owns Luke's Liquors, said, "People do come in and they buy a quantity of these bottles. They don't drink them on the way home. They go home."

Opponents cited litter concerns and potential safety issues. Adam Valachovic, a resident, countered, "These are tiny bottles of booze that are only meant for two things, drinking fast and drinking undercover."

The town also approved changes to the South Shore Technical High School regional agreement. The amendment alters how each town's share of debt is calculated, allowing for changes in student enrollment over time. This is timely with a new High School project expected to be considered at a January Special Election.

Several articles addressed restoring positions cut during spring budget reductions. Article 20, which passed, transfers $16,887 from the notice of intent fund to restore the conservation agent to full-time status.

Dave Mansfield of the Conservation Commission explained, "With the increasing development of commercial, single-family, multifamily, and recreational properties and the redevelopment of existing commercial and residential properties in town, demands on the agent's time have increased significantly."

Article 21, restoring the health agent to full-time status, also passed. Both positions had been reduced to part-time on July 1.

Finance Committee Chairman Kevin Sullivan cautioned about the town's financial outlook, stating, "Right now, the town accountant is already anticipating a deficit of over $2 million." He added this projection assumes level funding with no pay raises or cost-of-living increases.

In other business, the meeting approved the transfer of $135,000 from Community Preservation funds to purchase a 45-acre parcel for conservation purposes. The land will help close a gap in the Bay Circuit Trail.

A citizen's petition, Article 23, passed, directing the Select Board to write a letter to state officials demanding the repeal of H.4885, a recently passed gun control law. The article's sponsor, Frank Milisi, argued the law infringes on Second Amendment rights.

The meeting also approved $91,000 for a generator to be shared by the library and Council on Aging, ensuring these facilities can serve as heating and cooling centers during power outages.

Select Board Chair Laura FitzGerald-Kemmett emphasized the importance of the generator, saying, "We had a number of times last year where we had seniors that were without heat or in extreme weather in the summer. They were without cooling."