Michigan State Rep. Wants To Ban Russian-Made Liquor. What Does The State Have To Do With Selling Alcohol?

Many countries are coming to the support of Ukraine.  Many companies are coming to the support of Ukraine by withdrawing their products and services from the country of Russia.  Now a Michigan state Representative wants to ban alcohol that is made in Russia.  Many would say that every little bit helps.

State Rep. Jeff Yaroch of Richmond has called on Governor Whitmer to order that the Michigan Liquor Control Commission stop buying Russian-made liquors in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.  Rep. Yaroch stated in a letter:

Although these individual acts taken alone may not largely impact the Russian economy, we must all come together, and do everything we can to starve the Russian war machine and make it clear to this dictator that there will be retribution for his unconscionable act of totalitarianism

What does the state have to do with selling liquor?  Michigan has a three-tier system for liquor sales.  They are what is called a second-tier wholesaler.  They purchase liquor from manufacturers and then sell it to authorized distribution agents who then distribute it to third-tier businesses such as bars and liquor stores. The Michigan Beer and Wine Distributors explain it this way:

The three-tier system was designed to separate the manufacturers of alcoholic products from the distributors and retailers of those products.  By creating a manufacturing tier, a distributor tier and a retailer tier, policymakers prevented the pre-Prohibition norm of “tied houses” – a dangerous system where manufacturers produced alcoholic beverages, distributed the beverages and owned the retail establishments where they sold their alcoholic products.

All you need to know about alcohol sales in Michigan and the state's involvement is in the following video.

Whitmer’s spokesperson Bobby Leddy stated that:

She has ordered a full review of the actions and measures available to hold Russia accountable for the untold destruction, loss of life and suffering they've caused in Ukraine…We are currently reviewing the options to ensure that they have the maximum effect while insulating our state's economy from any disruption.

We all should stop buying any Russian products until the war criminal/dictator Putin is brought to justice or the Russian people throw him out of office.