Next round of Russian sanctions moves to the liquor store

In the wake of the Russian invasion on Ukraine, the provincial government is putting an immediate halt to the sale and import of Russian liquor products.

The move comes after a call from the BC Liberals and follows moves from several other provincial and territorial governments.

"We stand with those who want to live in peace and against those who commit deplorable and illegal acts of aggression," Deputy Premier and Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth said late Friday.

"Our province stands with those who understand Europe’s peace following two world wars depends on respecting international law."

He said B.C. is working to see how it can support coordinated sanctions with Ottawa.

Ontario, New Brunswick, Newfoundland, and Manitoba made moves to remove Russian-made products from their shelves earlier Friday, too.

"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," Ontario Finance Minister Peter Bethlenfalvy said.

B.C. Crown liquor stores carry five brands of Russian products: Russian Standard Vodka, Beluga Noble Russian Vodka, Russian Standard Platinum Vodka, Baikal Vodka, and Baltika 7 Beer.

With files from The Canadian Press