New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu signed an executive order on Saturday directing the state's wine and wine outlets to remove Russian-made and branded spirits.
Sununu said the move is primarily symbolic, but the Russian wine industry could be affected if other states follow New Hampshire's lead.
Sununu said, "We are watching what is happening. People are losing their lives." "This is unprovoked aggression, and if we can get New Hampshire to do our part and get these products off Russian shelves — I don't know anyone is buying that garbage right now, frankly — It's a good thing and it's a step we can take."
Sununu said the move would impact beer and wine which are also sold in supermarkets.
"For grocery stores that have beer and wine, they also buy all their products through the state. And I think if there's a Russian beer or a Russian wine, that's coming off the shelves as well. So Yes, it's all alcoholic spirits that will come through the state of New Hampshire. Now we're pulling the shelves," Sununu said.
Sununu told News 9 that the state sells Russian-based liquor products worth about $20 million a year. He said the move is not only symbolic but could have some impact on the Russian wine industry, especially if other states take similar action.
There are 67 liquor and liquor outlets in the state.
Manchester's Michael Larsen said he thinks it's great that New Hampshire is trying to take a stand against what Russia is doing to Ukraine.
"I usually drink vodka, so if that's the case I'll have to find vodka from another country," Larsen said.
Paul Crosby of Manchester said that we have to band together.
"They fight hard for their independence and it's a shame that they can just go in and take over their whole country," Crosby said.
The governor said the order was indefinite and would remain in force as long as the war continues.
A tweet from Sununu's account said in part, "New Hampshire stands with the people of Ukraine in the fight for independence."
This morning I signed an Executive Order instructing @nhliquorwine outlets to begin removing Russian-made and Russian-branded spirits from our liquor and wine outlets until further notice.
— Chris Sununu (@GovChrisSununu) February 26, 2022
New Hampshire stands with the people of Ukraine in their fight for freedom. 🇺🇦