New Hampshire

Distilleries Forced to Keep Liquor Bottles on the Shelf Amid Shutdown

Lots of businesses have been impacted by the partial shutdown of the federal government, including the ones responsible for providing America's drinks.

Distilleries across the country have bottles of liquor that can't be sold until the government reopens.

A brand new habanero bacon vodka has been bottled at Stark Brewing Company in Manchester, New Hampshire.But for now, customers won't be able to taste it.

"We can't do anything with it, we can't pour it, we can't sell it," said Stark owner Peter Telge.

There is $5,000 worth of liquor sitting in boxes because the bottles require labels that need approval from the federal government.

"We're waiting for the government to get back open before we submit them," Telge said. "We haven't even submitted because it's not even worth it right now."

It's a trickle-down effect that most people haven't considered.

"As far as alcohol and restaurant sales, that's a huge part of both the Vermont and New Hampshire economy," said Stark customer Jane Olmstead of Vermont. "They cannot afford to not sell the vodka that don't have labels on it."

"The whole thing is ridiculous, but don'T get me started," said Amanda Vogt of Manchester.

Telge actually has several different liquors in limbo.

While it'S certainly frustrating, he says it's not ruining his livelihood the way it's impacting government workers.

"I'm just a small person in this wheel of problems," Telge said. "I feel a lot worse for them."

Because of that, Telge is offering a free meal to any federal employee who walks into his restaurant.

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