Gov. Paul LePage vetoed an amended measure that would impose a 5-cent deposit on 50-milliliter alcohol bottles commonly known as “nips.” The move had been expected.
The Bangor Daily News reported later Tuesday morning that the Maine House of Representatives voted 114-31 to overturn the veto, which now goes to the Senate where a two-thirds vote to override the veto is required to enact the bill.
The governor said in his veto message that he had been concerned about the cost of implementation,, which he estimated at more than $1 million, Maine Public reported.
LePage previously threatened to ban all sales of the miniature bottles if a deposit law goes ahead.
Proponents of LD 56 argue that the measure would reduce littering as well as driving under the influence.
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