Governor Justics Halts the Sale of Russian Vodka

Gov. Jim Justice ordered a state agency to stop until further notice the purchase and sale of liquor produced in Russia, which invaded Ukraine last week. The governor also asked the West Virginia Retailers Association to remove Russian liquor from their shelves. Justice also directed the commissioner of the Alcohol Beverage Control Administration to make Ukrainian-produced brands available for purchase by licensed retail liquor outlets, depending on their availability. The governor’s announcement followed similar moves in other states. The Alcohol Beverage Control Administration regulates the distribution of liquor to 181 retail outlets and oversees about 6,000 alcohol producers, distributors, representatives, retailers and other licensees.