Liquor Marts take Russian booze off shelves

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This article was published 24/02/2022 (1036 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It’s nyet to the sale of a Russian vodka and beer at Manitoba Liquor Marts.

Liquor Marts pulled two brands of Russian alcohol off its shelves on Friday, after Russian forces invaded Ukraine.

The products were Russian Standard Vodka and Baltika 7, a single-serve beer.

“We recognize the deep connection that Manitobans feel with Ukraine,” said Manny Atwal, MLL president and CEO.

“We are proud to say that as of (Friday), and on the Government of Manitoba’s request, we have removed the two Russian liquor products carried in Manitoba Liquor Marts. We had also received public feedback requesting, and in support of, the removal of Russian products from our shelves.”

Atwal said while it might appear to consumers there are other Russian products, especially vodka, on their shelves, the others only look that way because of their brand name, artwork on the bottle, or type of liquor. He noted, as examples, Smirnoff Vodka is made in Canada, as is Russian Prince Vodka.

Atwal said MLL would not reveal how well each product sells, but said “we do not have a large volume of inventory and, for now, it will be held in storage.”

And, for those who want to support Ukraine when they buy booze, Atwal confirmed they do sell one product from that country: Khor Platinum Vodka.

fpcity@freepress.mb.ca