Aussie Bottle Shops Are Removing Russian Liquor Off Their Shelves
They're standing in solidarity with Ukraine following Russia's invasion of the country.
Major Aussie bottle shops, including BWS and Dan Murphy's are ripping Russian vodka off their shelves to stand in solidarity with Ukraine.
Parent company Endeavour Group decided to remove Russian vodka labels after the troops wreaked havoc in the capital Kyiv this week.
A spokesperson for Endeavour Group said: "As an organisation, Endeavour Group is deeply concerned with the situation in Ukraine, and we join the calls for peace.
"Following feedback from a variety of stakeholders, we have decided to remove products of Russian origin from our stores, hotels and online businesses in the coming days."
The ban comes after The Ukraine Association of Victoria urged companies to boycott the import and distribution of Russian products in response to Moscow's invasion.
Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) chairman Stefan Romaniw was grateful for Endeavour Group's decision and has called on Coles follow their lead at their Liquorland and First Choice stores.
The United States has also banned many Russian-made products following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, as well as Canada, with the Liquor Control Board of Ontario giving the flick to Russian liquors in more than 600 stores.
Calls to boycott have only intensified in Australia too, as AFUO have asked Prime Minister Scott Morrison to take further steps to show support for Ukraine by closing 'the doors to Russian oligarchs'.
The Australian reports that in a letter, the AFUO asked the Prime Minister to ban goods from Russia, cancel visas for Russian visitors and close the Russian consulate.
Mr Morrison has reassured that he will be imposing financial sanctions on Russia.
"Australia will continue to work with...like-minded countries to impose further economic sanctions on Russia, building on the raft of travel bans and asset freezes implemented in recent days against Russia's most influential political and military actors," he said.
"The Australian government reiterates our staunch support for Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity and for the people of Ukraine."
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: News, Alcohol, Australia, russian invasion, btws, dan murphys
Charisa Bossinakis