The article in the Oct. 15 Bulletin concerning the inability of a local brewer and distiller to get the required approval of labels for products from the federal government because of the federal government shutdown raises important questions.

What is the compelling public purpose that is served by the federal government review and approval of labels that go on beer and booze bottles?

Why are we paying people to do this review and provide approvals?

Why are we mandating that brewers and distilleries spend time and effort to get these approvals?

This may not be the only thing that it is very difficult to justify the federal government doing. It is probably not the silliest.