World Cup good for business
outlets see roaring trade when top teams play
GEORGE TOWN: Businesses within the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site are a hive of activity with the ongoing FIFA World Cup.
Many restaurants and pubs, especially along Chulia Street and Love Lane, are reporting brisk business with many customers staying till the wee hours.
The Brew pub owner Howie Tan, 55, said he was kept busy preparing drinks for the steady flow of customers.
“My place in Chulia Street is full at night, especially when England, Spain, the Netherlands, Portugal or Argentina play.
“My customers are usually a good mix of locals and foreigners who come to cheer their teams,” he said during the Wales vs Iran match last Friday.
Dutch tourist Bert van de Graaf, 34, said he decided to drop by the pub to watch the Wales vs Iran and
the Netherlands vs Ecuador matches, and to have some drinks after an afternoon of sightseeing around the heritage area.
“This is a good place to mingle. The locals are especially friendly and welcoming to tourists. I plan to go pub hopping before calling it a night,” he added.
Engineer Lee Huck Seng, 42, said it was more fun watching football with friends.
“The atmosphere is not there if I were to watch a match alone at home.
“So I decided to round up some of my colleagues after work to watch the World Cup in one of the pubs.
“I’m betting with my friends that either Spain or England will win the World Cup,” he said.
The World Cup final will be played in Qatar on Dec 18.