Boston’s pubs are facing an unexpected challenge as thousands of Scottish football fans descend on the city for the World Cup, reportedly causing a significant shortage of beer.
Over 20,000 members of the Tartan Army have travelled to Massachusetts for Scotland’s opening two group stage matches.
Beyond the pitch, these enthusiastic supporters have embraced American culture, including a visit to Fenway Park to watch a Boston Red Sox game.
The influx of thirsty fans has led to an unprecedented surge in demand, with numerous establishments across the city reporting dwindling beer supplies.
Noelle Somers, chief operating officer at Hennessy’s Bar in central Boston, highlighted the scale of the phenomenon, stating that trade following the Scotland v Haiti match had tripled that of St Patrick’s Day.
She told the Boston Globe: “We’ve been here for over 30 years and we’ve never seen anything like it.”
The bar ran out of beer on Sunday night before being restocked on Monday morning. Another delivery is due on Thursday, ahead of the Scotland vs Morocco match on Friday evening.
Brewing company Sam Adams has also seen its Boston taproom running dry over the weekend as demand for its Boston lager was four times higher than during a holiday period.
Many bars in the city have been flooded with blue, tartan and the Saltire as the Tartan Army make Boston their home.
The city’s only dedicated Scottish bar is The Haven, which has become a hub for Scotland fans.
Ahead of the World Cup, owner Jason Waddleton ordered in more than 100 kegs of Tennent’s to ensure fans can enjoy their favourite drink.
Elsewhere, hundreds of England supporters in Dallas reportedly defied police requests to disperse from a pub, having consumed over 5,000 beers ahead of the Three Lions’ World Cup opener.
Many of those supporters stayed out until late on Tuesday night at the Londoner Pub in the US city, with some in fancy dress and draped in St George’s flags.
Despite the pub advertising a later closing time, fans were ordered to move on by bar staff and two police officers just before 10pm.
The pub was eventually cleared, but many remained on the balcony outside the building for another couple of hours.
