HYDE SQ.–Following years of debate—some would say hundreds of years—Scotland is voting on whether to secede from the rest of the United Kingdom next week, and JP’s resident Scots contingent will have its showing.
The Haven at 2 Perkins St., owned by Scottish-born Jason Waddleton, has its own unofficial ballot box for locals to “vote” on whether Scotland declare independence from its sister country of over 400 years, England, and leave the United Kingdom.
The referendum is scheduled for Sept. 18. The Haven will have drinks specials and live BBC News coverage.
The Haven’s ballot box offers the chance to cast an “aye” or “no” vote—but requires a drink purchase to weigh in.
JP’s ballot box will be opened at 6 p.m. local time, hopefully about an hour ahead of Waddleton’s guess of midnight Scotland time for an official result.
“We are looking forward to celebrating the future, whatever that is,” Waddleton told the Gazette. “All of our English friends are welcome.”
The Scottish independence ballot box—and photo of pro-secession actor Sean Connery—at The Haven. (Courtesy Photo)