A Co Tyrone pub has ditched serving Coca Cola and replaced it with “Palestine Cola” sourced from a Palestinian-owned brand.
Christy’s Bar in Strabane, owned by independent councillor Raymond Barr who sits on Derry City and Strabane District Council, stopped selling the drinks brand in support of the local Boycott, Divestments and Sanctions (BDS) campaign in the area.
BDS supports boycotts of companies such as Coca Cola over alleged ties to Israeli military operations during the war in Gaza.
Mr Barr sought out an alternative to the US company and now sells the Palestinian alternative, distributed by Sweden-based business Yaffa.
“Strabane BDS have been asking local pubs to consider alternatives to Coca Cola and we were more than happy to do so,” Mr Barr said.
“We managed to source Palestine Cola and we are delighted with how it is going so far, customers are enjoying it and are happy we are taking action on an issue they care about.
“I have been offering a free can to anyone who comes in and wants to try it.
“As well as that, Yaffa directs all its profits from its sales directly to children and families who have been affected by the war in Palestine so they know it is going towards a good cause.”
