From 615K To Zero: Nips Sales In Tolland County Are All Over The Grid

TOLLAND COUNTY, CT — Sales of nip alcohol bottles among towns in Tolland County were all over the place in terms of state rankings for the latest reporting period — from October 2025 through March 2026.

On one hand, Vernon had the 25th most sales in the state with more than 600,000, while Union, which does not have a liquor store per se, had Zero, to put it 169th and last in the state.

Nine towns were in six figures in terms of sales and three were in the five-figure range.

Through the program administered by the Wine and Spirit Wholesalers, every city and town in Connecticut receives 5 cents via a nickel surcharge for each nip sold within its borders.

The funds are used for "environmental purposes," including community clean ups by non-profit organizations, street sweeper purchases, food composting programs, and hiring recycling staffers.

Here is a look at Tolland County for both sales and the municipal payouts:

1. Vernon: 615,970 nips sold for a payout of $30,998.50
2. Stafford: 344,369 nips sold for a payout of $17,218.45
3. Mansfield: 296,839 nips sold for a payout of $14,841.95
4. Ellington: 239,951 nips sold for a payout of $11,997.55
5. Tolland: 156,945 nips sold for a payout of $7,847.25
6. Coventry: 203,248 nips sold for a payout of $10,162.40
7. Bolton: 122,214 nips sold for a payout of 6,110.70
8. Hebron: 108,948 nips sold for a payout of $5,447.40
9. Somers: 102,838 nips sold for a payout of $6,5141.80
10. Columbia: 81,921 nips sold for a payout of $4,096.05
11. Willington: 76,640 nips sold for a payout of $3,832.00
12. Andover: 31,270 nips sold for a payout of $1,563.50
13. Union: Zero nips sold for a payout of zero