Government Shutdown Could Delay New Beer Releases

The United States government is entering its third week of a shutdown and the effects are piling up. Federal employees not getting paid, government agencies shutting down, the list goes on and on, according to Thrillist.

Thrillist also reports that craft beer brewers and lovers could soon feel the effects too. The Alcohol And Tobacco Tax And Trade Bureau (TTB) has been closed because of the government shutdown, and they're responsible for approving beer and wine labels for sale across state lines.

According to Thrillist, the TTB's website says that they will only be doing expected functions and submissions will not be approved or reviewed until funding is reinstated. The TTB has also directed their employees to not show up for work and that legally, the employees are not allowed to volunteer.

So this is quite possibly the worst news ever to a craft beer lover and brewer. If you're looking to try a new out of state beer, you'll likely be waiting a while.