In protest of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, liquor stores in the US and Canada have been removing Russian vodka from their shelves and pouring it into the drain.

Canada’s Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy instructed the Liquor Control Board of Ontario to have nearly 700 stores throw out their Russian vodka and any other Russian alcohol.

"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," Bethlenfalvy said. "We will continue to be there for the Ukrainian people during this extremely difficult time."

The Nova Scotia Liquor Corporation has also removed all Russian products from their shelves and their website. 

In British Columbia, the import of Russian alcohol has been discontinued. “Our province stands with those who understand Europe’s peace following two world wars depends on respecting international law,” Deputy Premier Mike Farnworth told the Canadian Press.

Elsewhere, in the US, Bill McCormick, owner of Pine Tavern in Oregon, posted a video of himself pouring out all of his Russian vodka on the ground.

In Wichita, Kansas, Jacob Liquor Exchange withdrew over 100 bottles of Russian vodka from their store and poured some of it on the ground as well.

“I think the whole world knows by now that Russia’s at war with Ukraine for no apparent reason,” Jamie Stratton, wine director and partner of the store, said in an interview with KSNW-TV. “I guess this is our sanction … and this may be small, but every small thing makes a difference.”

By Alexandria Kim