Liquor stores and bars across the United States and Canada have removed Russian vodka from their shelves as a boycott against the invasion of Ukraine.
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Local liquor stores that received shipments of Russian vodka have poured bottles in the streets as a form of protest against Putin’s decision to invade Ukraine. According to the Daily Mail, Stoli Group and other brands have felt the impact of the boycott and stated that all vodka brands are not Russian-based. ‘With regard to us being Russian. We are absolutely NOT a Russian company. We are a global organization with a significant portfolio of spirits and wine brands from around the world, with Stoli’s European Global HQ based in Luxembourg. Stoli Premium and Elit are manufactured and bottled in Riga, Latvia,’ said Stoli Group Global CEO Damian McKinney.
Oregon-based Pine Tavern owner Bill McCormick recorded a video of himself pouring out several bottles of Stolichnaya and said he expects to lose hundreds of dollars for participating in the boycott.
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‘Russia is acting as though it’s 1939 and going into Europe with the full force that they have in Ukraine. I am so concerned about it metastasizing into other countries.’
Two employees from the Evel Pie pizzeria in Las Vegas also photographed themselves pouring Russian vodka on the ground and added that they will use the proceeds to donate to help Ukrainian citizens. Additionally, the vodka will be replaced by Ukrainian-based brands.