McGoniagle, however, said he couldn't see the strike lasting more than about four weeks. "Both sides are talking, and that is a good sign," he said.
Convoy
Budweiser deliveries are continuing in the Cambridge and Boston area, although drivers said the trucks have been accompanied by convoys of security guards in some cases and sometimes by union members, who distribute information at each stop, urging retailers to join their Budweiser boycott.
McGoniagle said about half the retailers have complied with the boycott request.
Mitchel Azar, who runs a liquor store on Mass. Ave. said yesterday he had pulled Budweiser from the shelves in his store to show his sympathy for the strikers.
But a local bartender who asked that the name of his saloon not be published said he will still serve the beer to his customers.
"We have no beef with Budweiser," he said, "It's a popular beer. They should settle this dispute between themselves and not involve the customers."
At the Harvard Faculty Club, the beer served has been changed from Budweiser to Miller, said Beverage Manager Charles Rodgers.
"No union people asked us to switch, but we haven't been able to get Bud because of the strike," he said.
No one has complained about the switch, Rodgers added.
August Busch also distributes Michelob and Busch beers in addition to Budweiser.