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All Russian-made alcohol removed from Pennsylvania’s Fine Wine and Good Spirits stores

The decision comes after Gov. Tom Wolf urged the PLCB to remove the items as a show of solidarity to the people of Ukraine.

  • Becky Metrick/PennLive
This is a display of Stolichnaya Vodka from Russia in a Total Wine and More store in University Park, Fla., on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022.

 Gene J. Puskar / AP Photo

This is a display of Stolichnaya Vodka from Russia in a Total Wine and More store in University Park, Fla., on Sunday, Feb. 27, 2022.

(Harrisburg) — The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board will remove all Russian-made products from the state Fine Wine and Good Spirits stores and licensee service centers, officials announced Sunday.

The decision comes after Gov. Tom Wolf urged the PLCB to remove the items as a show of solidarity to the people of Ukraine.

In a statement released Sunday, the PLCB clarified that some producers give their vodkas Russian-themed monikers and marketing, because of the liquor’s association with Russia, but are not actually made in the country. The PLCB said there are “few products carried by Fine Wine and Good Spirits” that are actually sourced from Russia.

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

Shelves of merchandise at the Pennsylvania Wine and Liquor store in Seven Fields, Pa, are seen through the window Monday, April 20, 2020.

Keith Srakocic / AP Photo

Shelves of merchandise at the Pennsylvania Wine and Liquor store in Seven Fields, Pa, are seen through the window Monday, April 20, 2020.

There are only two products stocked in stores that will be restricted: Russian Standard and Ustianochka 80-proof vodkas, the PLBC said. About half a dozen special order brands come from Russia, which will no longer be available.

“I have joined with leaders across the nation and across the world in condemning these attacks and expressing support for the people of Ukraine,” Wolf said in a press release Sunday. “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.”

The Pennsylvania Licensed Beverage and Tavern Association also agreed with the move, calling it a “reasonable option” for Pennsylvania to show disapproval of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

The PLBC did say it would not be restricting the sales of Russian-branded products that are not sourced from Russia “as doing so could unfairly and adversely impact those brands.”

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