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Dear Friends of XES Lounge,

 

Recently with deep concern we learned about the atrocities perpetrated on LGBT youth and adults in the Russian Federation. The Russian government's tolerance, indeed encouragement, of such abhorrent behavior is shameful and intolerable.

 

Although we struggle for our civil rights here in the U.S., the indignities we suffer today at the hands of our government pale by comparison to what is happening in Russia. In the U.S. we benefit from more than 50 years of bravery and determination exhibited by the heroes of the LGBT civil rights movement. Here, as we struggle, the sun is rising and the future looks bright. In Russia, it is a dark, dark day.

 

Naturally we wonder what can be done to stop the suffering. What can we as individuals do to effectuate change in Russia? As operators of a gay bar, our first thought was to stop selling Russian products. The problem is we only sell one Russian brand and that's Stolichnaya Vodka. Unfortunately, boycotting Stoli doesn't make sense. The Putin government does not control or manage the company, nor is the company headquartered in Russia. SPI, Stoli's parent, is headquartered in Luxembourg, which is in Western Europe, and its primary distilling and bottling facility is in Latvia. Stoli still uses Russian ingredients, however, so it is considered Russian vodka.

 

There's another problem with boycotting Stoli. They are a friend and ally of the LGBT community and have been throughout the 10 years since XES has been in operation. Unlike some other brands, they have supported our causes and joined us as we mourned our losses or celebrated our victories. Stoli has been our partner, and we shouldn't turn our backs on them now. Besides, it wouldn't help. Symbolism isn't enough.

 

XES has decided to support groups like Amnesty International that know how to exert influence in similar situations and are dedicated to doing so in Russia. Starting today, XES will donate $1 from every drink we sell throughout the summer that's made with Stoli Vodka. We'll reevaluate this position in the fall. We believe that funding the good work of groups like Amnesty International will have a more profound effect on the outcome than any symbolic gesture.

 

Look, XES carries virtually every major brand of vodka. It would be a simple matter to discontinue one of them. But that would be pandering simply to make us feel better, and it would have no real impact. We believe this plan is a better one.

 

We hope you agree.

 

Sincerely,

Tony Juliano

XES Lounge





 
 

XES HAPPY HOUR

 

2 For 1 Happy Hour
Monday-Friday from 4PM to 9PM and
Saturday night (Sunday morning) Midnight to 1AM

 

Monday-Friday and Saturday Midnight buy one drink and get a ticket for a free one of equal or lesser value on most drinks including many premium brands like Stoli & Absolut. You can use the free drink tickets any time until we close on the night you buy your drink.

 

Saturday and Sunday 4PM-9PM, $2 off everything

(except bottled water, soda, and juice)

 

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