Ku Bar joins campaign to ‘dump Russian vodka’ over anti-gay laws
Ku Bar, a gay bar in Soho London, has joined the battle against the controversial anti-gay “propaganda” laws in Russia with an advertisement echoing Dan Savage’s message to “dump russian vodka”.
The company posted the advertisement on facebook this morning sporting its new “anti-Putin” slogan.
Alongside a group of shirtless male models, the advertisement reads: “We serve a range of non-Russian vodka.”
It also echoes Dan Savage’s message this week to “dump Russian vodka”.
Gary Henshaw of Ku Bar said to PinkNews: “Gay Rights do not exist in Russia and more recently we are hearing stories of persecution and even murder committed against gay persons.
“Draconian laws are being passed by Putin and his cronies. Yet amidst all this Russia seeks to assert its place among the democratic super powers of the world.
“We must show solidarity with our LGBT brothers and sisters. One thing I can do is to resolve to boycott Russian Brands. Ku sells Smirnoff, British, Absolut, Swedish and Grey Goose, French Vodkas. I totally support the ban.”
Mr Mendeleev, the Stolinyacha chief executive, said he was “upset and angry,” and “has always been, and continues to be a fervent supporter and friend to the LGBT community.”
He said: “Those days should be long behind us now and for those countries and those governments and regimes who don’t see it that way I think they have to move with the times.”