March 30, 2023
By Bethany Negron
Staff Writer
On Sundays, I’m often bored and want to go shopping, but I never can do so in Bergen County. Therefore, my parents and I have to drive as much as 30-40 minutes to get to open malls or stores in neighboring counties that are not affected by Blue laws.
Blue laws commonly ban certain business and recreational activities on Sundays and impose restrictions on the retail sale of hard goods and consumables, particularly alcoholic beverages. Sometimes known as Sunday laws or Sunday closing laws, they create additional limitations that forbid particular occupations or forms of entertainment.
The only county in New Jersey that still has these antiquated laws is Bergen County.
From a Constitutional perspective, these laws are problematic because they are not in line with the First Amendment, which states that “Congress shall make no law respecting the establishment of religion.” By declaring Sunday as a Sabbath and by limiting people’s activities on that day, Blue laws favor Christianity over religions that celebrate other Sabbaths.
Blue laws commonly ban certain business and recreational activities on Sundays and impose restrictions on the retail sale of hard goods and consumables, particularly alcoholic beverages.
Another reason Bergen County should do away with Blue laws is that they cause businesses to lose out on money. If malls and stores could stay open seven days a week, they would gain the business of customers who currently have to travel to other counties including Essex, Hudson and Passaic to shop on Sundays.
Even essential retailers like grocery stores that are open on Sundays place tape around sections of their stores where items affected by Blue laws are sold. It is a waste of time and energy for stores to have to cordon off sections of their store. Furthermore, the store is already open, so it seems strange to prohibit the sale of items that are right there in front of customers.
Not only do Blue laws impact individuals and businesses, they also affect real estate. When people look to buy a home in Bergen County, they often see Blue laws as an inconvenience. Therefore, they look to purchase homes in surrounding counties.
Most people have free time on Sundays because they are off from school and work. This is the reason this day of the week is so important to consumers. Blue laws are unconstitutional, negatively affect residents’ quality of life and adversely impact the prosperity of Bergen County businesses, and, therefore, they need to go.
