DES MOINES, Iowa – To demonstrate the state’s support for Ukraine, Gov. Kim Reynolds announced that she was ordering the Iowa Alcoholic Beverages Division (IABD) to remove any Russian-produced alcohol from their wholesale purchase list.
Reynolds said the move is to show solidarity with the people of Ukraine after Russia, under the orders of Russian President Vladimir Putin, invaded that sovereign nation last week.
The delisted products will be listed on IABD by March 1.
Iowa is one of 17 states that controls the sale of alcoholic liquor at the wholesale level. Under Iowa law, IABD has the authority to determine the brands of alcoholic liquor products available for sale to retailers. Alcoholic liquor is sold by IABD to off-premises retailers who then sell the products directly to consumers or to on-premises retailers, such as bars and restaurants.
Hy-Vee over the weekend also pulled Russian vodkas from its shelves, something that is happening across the country and Canada. With the directive Russian-produced alcohol will be increasingly difficult to find in the state as retailers run out of their supply.
IABD said it is taking the necessary steps to identify impacted brands and adhere to Reynolds’ directive.
Reynolds has also called for Iowa Sister States to end Iowa’s sister state relationship with Stavrapol Krai, Russia and provide recommendations for enhancing its sister state relationship with Cherkasy Oblast, Ukraine.
