Scots Flood Boston for World Cup, Strain Beer Supplies

Scotland fans are celebrating their country’s ninth World Cup appearance in Boston. Jason Waddleton, a native of Scotland and owner of The Haven, a Scottish restaurant and bar in Jamaica Plain, anticipated this excitement. “I knew there was going to be a tsunami of Tartan Army,” he said.

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey temporarily extended bar and restaurant hours for the event. This move coincided with an influx of thousands of Scots, estimated at 50,000, arriving in the Boston area, including Providence, R.I., serving as a temporary base.

The Tartan Army demonstrated their enthusiasm by marching through Boston’s streets after their opening victory over Haiti. They even took over Fenway Park during the “Scottish Heritage Celebration Night.” This influx of celebrants has created a significant challenge for local beer supplies.

Bars in Boston are facing beer shortages due to the large number of World Cup fans, particularly Scots. The Haven typically orders four kegs of Tennent’s Lager per week, but this week they’ve increased to 50 kegs. Many bars sold out of Tennent’s and have significantly increased their orders.

Sam Adams’ Boston taproom ran out of their Samuel Adams Boston Lager last weekend. Jason Waddleton noted, “We’ve basically blown through our own allocation. We still have it, and we’ll get more in on Monday.” The atmosphere heightened on Friday as Scotland prepared for their next match.

Scots Challenge Boston’s Pub Supplies

Scottish fans in Boston are seeking Tennent’s Lager, a favorite in local pubs. Previously exclusive to The Haven, Tennent’s made agreements with 80 bars in Boston and nearby areas. Samantha Crawford, Tennent’s international marketing manager, said they began U.S. distribution preparations as soon as Scotland qualified for the World Cup.

In addition to Boston, Tennent’s sent supplies to Miami bars for Scotland’s match against Brazil. “It’s been a long time in the making,” Crawford shared about ensuring beer supplies in the U.S.

Mivan Spencer, owner of Caffe Dello Sport in the North End, anticipated large crowds but was surprised by the business surge. “I ran out of almost everything,” Spencer stated. He increased his alcohol orders threefold to avoid future shortages.

High Street Place, a food hall in downtown Boston, saw supplies meant to last a week consumed in four days. “Our distributors pivoted quickly,” said Lauren Johnson, senior marketplace manager.

Boston Beer Icon Hit Hard

Sam Adams’ taproom ran out of Samuel Adams Boston Lager. During the first four days, Scottish fans bought four times the usual amount of this beer compared to typical holiday stretches. More than 4,000 pints of Boston Lager resulted in 90 empty kegs. Devon Sage from Sam Adams said they needed four emergency deliveries.

Political Support for the World Cup

Massachusetts politicians are also embracing the soccer excitement. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu frequently attended fan festivals and watch parties. Governor Healey declared June 18 “World Cup Fans Appreciation Day.” She was seen helping behind the bar at The Haven, where Waddleton observed, “She needs to learn how to pour a pint before getting that Sunday shift.”

Contributors to this report include Associated Press reporter Kimberlee Kruesi and freelancers Ken Powtak and Caterina McGuigan.