Bars and liquor stores across the United States are removing Russian vodka from their shelves in solidarity with Ukraine.
Avel Pie Pizza restaurant in downtown Las Vegas has rolled out its all-Russian vodka supply and is selling $5 shots of Ukrainian vodka, with all proceeds going to help humanitarian efforts.
Founder Brandon Powers told Independent It was his way of “doing our part in what we have to help the Ukrainian people”.
“We hope this inspires others around the world to do the same,” he said.
“We are 100% focused against Putin, not against the wonderful people of Russia. Leaders like Putin have no place in modern society anymore.”
Mr Powers said a customer had bought vodka disposed of by the bar, and the money was donated to a charity operating in Ukraine.
Brandon Powers, the owner of Avel Pie in Las Vegas, pours his supply of Russian vodka. They are selling Ukrainian vodka, proceeds from which are donated to Help Ukraine (Brandon Powers/Facebook)
In Wichita, Kansas, the Jacob Liquor Exchange pulled Russian spirits from its shelves on Friday.
“I think the whole world knows by now that Russia is at war with Ukraine for no apparent reason,” store director Jamie Stratton told KIRO 7.
Follow live coverage of the Russian invasion of Ukraine
Mr Stratton said they would sell the items if a customer requested them, but they would not be on display. They now plan to stock Ukrainian vodka instead.
“I think it’s our approval,” he said.
Magic Mountain ski resort in Vermont posted footage of a bartender pouring Stolichnaya vodka down a creek.
“Sorry Stoli lover. No more,” wrote the resort in a tweet.
At Bob’s Bar in Grand Rapids Michigan, they have even removed Stolichnaya bottles from sale.
Owner Bob Quay told local news outlet Wood-TV that he wanted to draw attention to the Russian invasion.
This is not going to cause Vladimir (Putin) to move out of Ukraine,” Mr Quay told the station.
“But yeah, it’s a small statement from this local bar here. That’s all I can do.”
On Twitter, hundreds of people have started using the hashtag #boycottrussianvodka in response to Russia’s invasion, which has claimed the lives of hundreds of civilians.
The United States, the European Union and dozens of other countries have imposed sanctions on Russian banks, politicians and exports.
In Canada, Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvi said the state would order the removal of Russian spirits in protest of the invasion.
Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvi said, “Ontario, along with Canadian allies, condemns the aggression of the Russian government against the people of Ukraine, and will instruct (Ontario’s Liquor Control Board) to withdraw all products produced in Russia. ” tweetedWith the hashtag #StandwithUkraine.
“The people of Ontario will always stand up against tyranny and oppression,” Mr Bethlenfalvi said.
