Russian Vodka Facing Boycott In Bars And Liquor Stores Amid Ukraine Invasion

Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, bar and liquor stores owners around the U.S. and Canada have begun boycotting Russian vodka and other ​​Russian liquors in protest.

When Russia invaded Ukraine on Thursday, people around the world expressed shock over the attack and criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin.

While the U.S. government has imposed sanctions, business owners have also stepped in to financially punish Russia following the invasion.

In Oregon, Pine Tavern in Bend owner Bill McCormick shared a video to social media in which he poured out two bottles of Stolichnaya vodka.

“Russia is acting as though it’s 1939 and going into Europe with a full force that they have in the Ukraine. I am so concerned about it metastasizing into other countries,” he told a local outlet.

He revealed he did not want to support Russia in any way even if it meant selling fewer drinks at his business.

On Friday, the Newfoundland Labrador Liquor Corporation (NLC) of Canada tweeted it would no longer sell Russian alcohol, including Russian Standard Vodka or Russian Standard Platinum Vodka.

“The Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation, along with other Liquor jurisdictions throughout Canada, has made the decision to remove products of Russian origin from its shelves,” the message read.

Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy later shared a tweet supporting a boycott of Russian alcohol.

“Ontario joins Canada’s allies in condemning the Russian government’s act of aggression against the Ukrainian people and will direct the [Liquor Control Board of Ontario] to withdraw all products produced in Russia from store shelves. #StandwithUkraine,” Bethlenfalvy tweeted.

Meanwhile, Virginia state senator Louise Lucas has since called for the removal of Russian vodka from liquor stores.

However, neither the governor nor the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority has publicly announced plans to remove Russian vodka from shelves across the state.