Sunday, February 27, 2022

Governor Wolf and Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board Pull Russian Booze from Liquor Stores

In the midst of the conflict between Ukraine and Vladimir Putin , Pennsylvania has announced one way they will not support Russia.

Early on Sunday, Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf sent t a letter to Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, urging it to remove Russian-sourced products from Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores in the Commonwealth and cease selling them as quickly as possible.

“I have joined with leaders across the nation and across the world in condemning these attacks and expressing support for the people of Ukraine,” Gov. Wolf said. “I appreciate the board’s efforts to quickly identify Russian-sourced products currently being sold at Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores. I urge the board to take these further actions as a show of solidarity and support for the people of Ukraine, and an expression of our collective revulsion with the unprovoked actions of the Russian state.” Governor Wolf stated in a press release.

Several hours later, Russian alcohol was removed from their shelves.

“As of today, these products will no longer be sold or procured by the PLCB,” said Board Chairman Tim Holden.” Given the evolving political-economic climate, it’s just the right thing to do.”

The PLCB will not be restricting sales of Russian-branded products that are not sourced from Russia, as doing so could unfairly and adversely impact those brands.

Although some producers give their vodkas Russian-themed monikers and marketing because many consumers often associate vodka with Russia, few products carried by Fine Wine & Good Spirits are actually sourced from Russia. In fact, only two products stocked in stores – Russian Standard and Ustianochka 80-proof vodkas – and about a half-dozen Special Order brands come from Russia.