AUGUSTA, Maine (WGAN) Governor Janet Mills has signed a proclamation in support of Ukraine and called on state regulators to delist all Russian made spirits as soon as possible.
The governor’s office on Monday said Maine stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine, calling the Russian invasion an “abhorrent, unprovoked assault on their country, their freedom, and their lives.”
The Maine Liquor and Lottery Commission can vote to delist a product, which would prevent it from reaching any retail or restaurant shelves until further notice.
The governor has also asked retailers and restaurants to remove Russian-made spirits from their shelves.
Russian Standard and Hammer + Sickle are the only two Russian-made spirits sold in Maine. Other Russian-branded spirits sold in the state are manufactured at distilleries outside of Russia.
The announcement came after former governor Paul LePage, who’s running for the Blaine House to unseat Gov. Mills, called for her to issue a ban on all Russian-made vodka in Maine.
“It is a move which will signal our state’s resolve against Russian aggression. We should stand up and show support for Ukraine,” LePage said in a statement issued Monday.
