Scotland’s next World Cup clash is set to deliver a major boost to pubs across the country, with an estimated 520,000 extra pints expected to be sold for Friday night’s match against Morocco – worth around £2.6 million to the trade, analysis by the Scottish Beer and Pub Association (SBPA).
The forecast follows a strong showing for Scotland’s opening match against Haiti, which is estimated by the SBPA and Oxford Partnership to have driven sales of at least 380,000 extra pints, worth around £1.9 million to pubs and bars across Scotland.
While Scotland’s opening game against Haiti kicked off at 2am BST on Sunday morning, Friday’s match against Morocco starts at a far more pub-friendly 11pm BST, giving licensees a significantly better opportunity to benefit from the occasion.
Paul Togneri, from the Scottish Beer and Pub Association, said: “Scotland’s return to the World Cup has given pubs a much-needed welcome boost, with early indications suggesting at least 380,000 extra pints were sold for the Haiti game despite the 2am kick-off.
“It’s an incredible result following an incredible match.
“With Friday night’s clash against Morocco starting at a much more pub-friendly 11pm we expect an even bigger boost, with over half a million extra pints to be poured in pubs and bars across the country.
“That would be worth upwards of £2.6 million to the trade, which is hugely welcome for venues still battling high costs.
“If you can’t be in Boston, there’s no better place than the pub. We’d urge supporters to get down to their local, back the team and cheer Scotland on together.”
