Gov. Ivey asks ABC stores to drop Russian liquor, World Games prohibits Russian & Belarusian athletes

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey and The World Games 2022’s Birmingham Organizing Committee independently took action today against Russia for its invasion of neighboring Ukraine.

No Russian Liquor in Alabama

In a letter to Alcohol Beverage Control Board (ABC)l Administrator Mac Gipson, Gov. Ivey has asked for the immediate removal of Russian liquor from ABC Stores throughout the state. 

The governor issued the following statement:

“This is a small, but meaningful way to take action and show the people of Ukraine we support them while also firmly stating our opposition to the unnecessary humanitarian crisis Russia has inexcusably created. I encourage all Alabama citizens and businesses to explore ways they can show support for Ukraine and discourage Russia from continuing this unreasonable siege on a neighboring country.” – Governor Kay Ivey

World Games 2022 Decides

Before Gov. Ivey’s announcement, the Board of Directors of The World Games 2022 Birmingham Organizing Committee voted to ban athletes and officials from Russia and Belarus from participating in The World Games 2022 in Birmingham this July.

The World Games Board made the decision after the International Olympic Committee’s Executive Board recommended the sanction. 

The World Games 2022, which takes place from July 7-17, is organized with the support of the International Olympic Committee.

What’s Next

Internationally and locally businesses and citizens are taking action. To learn more about the Ukranians in Alabama, check out Bham Now author Sharron Swain’s story: 

9 unique ways locals are responding to events in Ukraine, including Birmingham Sister Cities