They are removing Russian vodka from their shelves and promoting Ukrainian brands.
“I woke up this morning to see that Russia had invaded Ukraine,” said Bob Quay, owner of Bob’s Bar in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Bob Quay, the owner of Bob’s Bar in Grand Rapids (Michigan), said, “You wonder what you could do.” “The U.S. is clearly imposing sanctions. I was tempted to add sanctions.
He got rid of Stolichnaya’s old Soviet brand and began promoting Vektor in Ukraine. “We have a sign that says: Support Ukraine.
Quay posted the news on Facebook and it “exploded.” People are coming in from all walks of life.
Stoli, which is owned by Russian-born tycoon Yuri Shefler was actually made in Latvia. Stoli Group claims that it stands for peace in Europe as well as solidarity with the Ukrainian people on its website.
After removing Russian brands from its shelves, the Southern Spirits liquor store is now doing a boom business in the Ukrainian vodka Kozak.
Drew Podrebarac, general manager, stated that “it’s selling out a lot quicker than we thought.” It’s been amazing.
The Magic Mountain ski resort, Londonderry, Vermont posted a Twitter video showing an employee pouring Stolichnaya down a drain and saying “Sorry, but we don’t offer Russian products here.”
Governors also joined the fray. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine directed Ohio’s Commerce Department not to purchase or sell Russian Standard vodka, which is the only Russian vodka that Ohio has sold under the brands Green Mark and Russian Standard. New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu signed an executive directive requiring state liquor outlets in New Hampshire to stop selling Russian-made or branded alcohol
The Liquor Control Board of Ontario announced Friday that all products from Russia would be removed by LCBO channels. This includes 679 stores in the province. It promised to accept any Russian products back and said that it stood by Ukraine, its people and the Ukrainian Canadian community in Ontario.
Quay stated that he might never again sell Russian products in Grand Rapids. Quay has taken another step. “I have ordered a Ukrainian flag and it will be going up next Week.”
