If you really want to make the shutdown hurt, go after beer

[TexasTowelie]

Go ahead, kick an elderly couple out of their home because it sits on federal land. Expend more time, energy and resources to fake-close the World War II Memorial in Washington than just to leave it alone.

Make it hurt, as much as possible. It’s the Obama way, not to mention the Chicago way.

But there are lines, and you best not cross them. Beer being one.

Our Sarah Mervosh had the story today:

The government shutdown is putting a strain on breweries across the country and in North Texas after an obscure federal agency that quietly approves new breweries, recipes and labels closed.

The shutdown could create huge delays throughout the rapidly growing craft industry, whose customers expect a constant supply of inventive and seasonal beers.

The setback comes just months after Texas lawmakers helped clear the way for craft brewery businesses to sell their products to consumers on-site.

But now, the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, or TTB, has shut down. The little-known arm of the Treasury Department will continue to process taxes from existing permit holders, but applications for new breweries or beers are on hold.

More at http://dallasmorningviewsblog.dallasnews.com/2013/10/if-you-really-want-to-make-the-shutdown-hurt-go-after-beer.html/ .