A NEW law that allows more than 140 bars and restaurants in Boston to stay open later and for fans to carry and drink alcohol along certain streets has been hailed as the “Tartan Army Bill”.
Last week, the Boston Licensing Board approved that 144 establishments could stay open one hour later during the World Cup and other summer events until July 31.
Passed by Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, the law gives cities and towns the power to let businesses stay open later, as well as establishing “open container zones” for streets with a large number of hospitality businesses.
Following local reports on Friday that 144 bars and restaurants in Massachusetts are allowed to stay open later, hundreds of Scots have celebrated the news, calling it the “Tartan Army Bill”.
Governor Maura Healey said in a statement after signing the bill: “This bill will provide more opportunities for people to celebrate with their community for the World Cup and the other exciting events we have happening this summer for MA250.”
State Senator Barry Finegold added: “The World Cup is coming to town, and for once, we’re not turning in early.”
Thousands of Scots have flocked to Boston after witnessing the their national team beat Haiti 1-0 in their opening Group C match.
It is Scotland’s first World Cup in 28 years and the Tartan Army have been taking full advantage of the team’s return to the biggest tournament in world football.
Following the news that bars and restaurants in Boston are to stay open later, one person commented on a local news report: “10,000 Scotland fans can drink a lot, of course they are gona stay open.”
Meanwhile, a second said: “Hope you guys got enough beer for our people… No Scotland no party.”
A third said: “You’re going to run out of drink.”
While a raft of others joked that Scotland was “having an impact on foreign laws”, dubbing the change the “Tartan Army Bill”.
Welcoming the news, Licensing Board chairperson Kathleen Joyce said in a statement: “The Licensing Board welcomes the opportunity to help Boston’s businesses participate in what is shaping up to be one of the city’s busiest and most exciting summers in history.”
She added: “I look forward to reviewing applications and supporting businesses as they showcase the vibrancy of Boston’s neighborhoods.”
It comes after pubs in Scotland saw “record breaking sales” as fans turned out in droves to watch the men’s national team win its first World Cup match since 1998.
Pubs and hospitality premises across Scotland are expecting a £7 million windfall from sales as fans turn out to watch the World Cup matches.
And pubs across Scotland certainly saw a boost on Sunday, according to Louise Maclean, director of sales and marketing at Signature Pub Group, which has 23 venues across the country.
Speaking on the BBC’s Sunday Show, she said the atmosphere in the venues was “incredible”.
“I don't think I've ever been more proud to be Scottish,” she said. “Not only were the team delivering on the pitch, the Tartan Army in Boston, the scenes were incredible.
“And back home, my Lord, did those tills ring. No ejections, I mean, a lot of singing. There'll be a lot of hoarse voices this morning.”
Maclean said the group saw “record breaking sales”, adding: “That is a gift to the trade that has been so damaged over the last five years, but yes the Tartan Army, and everyone in Scotland delivered. We've had people coming flying in from Europe to come to our venues.”
