New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu signed an executive order Saturday directing the state Liquor and Wine Outlets to remove Russian-made and branded spirits.
Sununu said the move is mainly symbolic, but the Russian liquor industry could be impacted if other states follow New Hampshire’s lead.
“We see whats happening. People are losing their lives,” Sununu said. “It’s unprovoked aggression, and if we can get New Hampshire to do their part and take these products off of the Russian shelves—I dont know anyone buying that garbage right now, frankly—its a good thing and its a step we can make.”
Sununu said the move will impact beer and wine that’s sold at supermarkets as well.
“For the grocery stores that have beer and wine, they buy all their products through the state as well. And I suppose if there are any Russian beer or Russian wines, that’s coming off the shelves too. So yeah, it’s all alcoholic spirits that would come through the state of New Hampshire now we’re pulling off the shelves,” Sununu said.
Sununu told News 9 the state sells around $20 million of Russian-based liquor products a year. He said the move is not only symbolic but could have some impact on the Russian liquor industry, especially if other states take similar action.
There are 67 Liquor and Wine Outlets in the state.
Michael Larsen, of Manchester, said he thinks it is great New Hampshire is trying to take a stand against what Russia is doing to Ukraine.
“I usually do drink vodka, so I’ll have to find a vodka from a different country if that’s the case,” Larsen said.
Paul Crosby, of Manchester, said we have to band together.
“They work hard for their independence and its a shame that they can just go in and take over their whole country,” Crosby said.
The governor said the order is indefinite and will stay in place as long as the war is going on.
A tweet from Sununu’s account said in part, “New Hampshire stands with the people of Ukraine in their fight for freedom.”
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