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Kalashnikov rifle clubbed

KALASHNIKOV vodka has been forced to change its name in the UK, following allegations from The Portman Group that it "indirectly suggests an association with violent and dangerous behaviour" by evoking images of the AK- 47 assault rifle.

KALASHNIKOV vodka has been forced to change its name in the UK, following allegations from The Portman Group that it "indirectly suggests an association with violent and dangerous behaviour" by evoking images of the AK- 47 assault rifle.

The vodka was launched in the UK last year by the rifle’s creator, lieutenant general Mikhail Kalashnikov, who said, "I’ve always wanted to improve and expand on the good name of my weapon by doing good things. So we decided to create a vodka under my name.

"The Kalashnikov Joint Stock Vodka Co defended its brand name, calling it "funky" and "inyour- face".  A spokesperson said, "Our vodka will probably continue to be called Kalashnikov around the world but not in the UK."

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