Hundreds of bars and liquor stores across the US and Canada are pouring Russian-made beverages on the ground in protest of Moscow’s actions.
On Thursday, Russia launched an attack on Ukraine from the north, south, and east in a war that threatened to topple Europe’s post-Cold War order.
Bars and liquor stores in Newfoundland and Manitoba are now removing Russian spirits from their shelves, while Ontario also directed the Liquor Control Board of Ontario to get rid of all Russian products.
Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy said in a statement: “Ontario joins Canada’s allies in condemning the Russian government’s act of aggression against the Ukrainian people and we strongly support the federal government’s efforts to sanction the Russian government.
“The people of Ontario will always stand against tyranny and oppression.”
Over 700 stores across the province will get rid of Russian products, which include Beluga Noble Russian Vodka, Stoli Vodka, Zyr Vodka, Karvov Vodka, and Russian Standard Original Vodka.
According to Statistics Canada data, Canada imported $4.8 million worth of alcoholic beverages from Russia last year.
Other provinces in Canada, including Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and British Columbia, have also taken a similar stance.
The NLC Liquor Store took to Twitter and said: “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.”
In the U.S., videos shared online show liquor stores and bars pouring out Russian vodka to show solidarity with Ukraine.
Liquor stores in Wichita, Kansas, have poured some Russian vodka on the ground and removed over 100 bottles from its shelves.
Speaking to KSNW-TV, Jamie Stratton, wine director and partner of Jacob Liquor Exchange, said: “I think the whole world knows by now that Russia’s at war with Ukraine for no apparent reason.
“I guess this is our sanction … and this may be small, but every small thing makes a difference.”
The owner of Pine Tavern in Oregon also recorded himself pouring out his Russian vodka.
Bill McCormick told Fox 12 of Portland: “Russia is acting as though it’s 1939 and going to Europe with a full force that they have in Ukraine. I’m so concerned about it metastasizing in other countries.”
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