Russian vodka removed from shelves in Kansas, Michigan

American businesses are showing their support for Ukraine, removing Russian vodka from shelves at bars and liquor stores.

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Jacob Liquor Exchange, in Wichita, Kansas, has removed all vodkas that are either Russian or have any ties to Russia from shelves. In a phone call, the store’s manager confirmed the decision, saying the extra space would go to promoting Ukrainian vodka.

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“I think the whole world knows by now that Russia’s at war with Ukraine for no apparent reason,” Jamie Stratton, partner and director of Jacob Liquor Exchange, told KSNW. “I guess this is our sanction. We don’t support it. There’s no reason to support it. There’s no reason for them to invade the Ukrainians, and this may be small, but every small thing makes a difference.”

The vodka was placed in a back room and will be sold to any customers who come in to specifically request them, KSNW reported.

A bar in Michigan has taken a similar path toward voicing support for Ukraine. In a post on Facebook, Bob’s Bar in Grand Rapids, Michigan, said it would no longer sell Russian vodka. The accompanying photo shows four bottles of Stolichnaya vodka removed.

Bob Quay, the bar’s owner, told WOOD he made the decision to stop selling the vodka to start a conversation. “I mean, it’s just a statement. It’s not gonna cause (Vladimir Putin) to move out of Ukraine,” Quay told WOOD. “But yeah, it’s a small statement on behalf of this local bar here. It’s what I can do.”

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