Several Canadian liquor brands, including Crown Royal, have been pulled from shelves in New York City this week. The move follows the White House announcement on Monday imposing new tariffs targeting Canadian alcohol imports. Bar owners in Midtown and the Financial District began removing stock on Tuesday, citing immediate guidance from distributors.
At a Flatiron cocktail bar on Tuesday evening, bartenders replaced bottles of Crown Royal with domestic rye. One manager, who declined to be named, described the situation as 'confusing' and 'frustrating' for regular customers. Retailers in Lower Manhattan reported a surge in last-minute purchases on Tuesday afternoon, as word spread about the ban.
The tariffs are part of a broader trade dispute that escalated following recent policy shifts from the Trump administration. The new measure affects not only whisky but also some Canadian craft beers and liqueurs. Bar owners are now looking for alternatives to meet demand, with several reporting increased orders for U.S.-produced spirits this week.
Industry groups have criticized the measure, warning it could hit smaller bars and restaurants hardest. The Restaurant Association of New York issued a statement Tuesday calling for a review of the tariffs, expressing concern about supply disruptions ahead of the busy fall season.