Blue Laws In Paramus, New Jersey: What's The Deal?

Blue laws, also known as Sunday laws, are laws that restrict or ban some or all activities on Sundays. In the United States, most blue laws have been repealed, although many states continue to impose tighter restrictions on the sale of alcoholic drinks and cars on Sundays. One of the last remaining blue laws in the country is found in Bergen County, New Jersey, where the sale of certain goods is restricted on Sundays, forcing most retail stores to close for the day. Paramus, a town in Bergen County, has even stricter blue laws than the rest of the county, banning all types of work on Sundays except for essential services. The blue laws in Paramus have been vigorously enforced in the past, and attempts to repeal them have been overwhelmingly rejected by voters.

Paramus has stricter blue laws than the rest of Bergen County

Blue laws, or Sunday laws, are laws that restrict or ban some or all activities on Sundays. These laws are in place to promote the observance of a day of rest. In the United States, blue laws have been repealed in most states, but many counties in New Jersey still enforce them.

Bergen County, New Jersey, is the last county in the country with heavy Sunday restrictions. The blue laws in Bergen County restrict the sale of certain goods on Sundays, forcing all department, mall, and most retail stores to close for the day. The laws date back to the 1600s, originally stemming from religious beliefs, and became part of New Jersey's "Act to Suppress Vice and Immorality."

Paramus, a borough in Bergen County, is known for its strict enforcement of blue laws. In fact, Paramus has even stricter blue laws than the rest of the county. While Bergen County's blue laws restrict the sale of certain goods on Sundays, Paramus bans all types of work on Sundays, except in grocery stores, gas stations, pharmacies, hotels, restaurants, and other entertainment venues.

The reason for the strict blue laws in Paramus is that the borough is known as the "'mall capital of America,' with three of the county's five major malls located there. Residents have voted overwhelmingly to maintain the blue laws, citing the need for one day a week without the hustle and bustle of the busy shopping district.

While some people may find the blue laws inconvenient, others appreciate having a calmer day without the usual traffic and crowds. Retail employees also benefit from having a guaranteed day off during the weekend. However, there have been attempts to overturn the laws, particularly by those who find it inconvenient to have restricted shopping hours on Sundays.

The blue laws in Paramus have been upheld by the state Supreme Court, and it seems unlikely that the borough will repeal them anytime soon.

The origin of the term 'blue law'

The origin of the term "blue law" is not entirely clear, but there are several theories. The term may have been coined by Reverend Samuel Peters in his 1781 book, "General History of Connecticut", which described various laws enacted by Puritan colonies in the 17th century prohibiting the selling of certain types of merchandise or business activity on Sundays. However, Peters' work has been deemed unreliable, and it is possible that he simply invented the term.

One popular theory is that the term "blue law" comes from the colour of the paper or the covers of the books on which the laws were printed or bound. However, there is no evidence to support this assertion, and it is now widely regarded as an example of fake etymology.

Another possibility is that the word "blue" was commonly used in the 18th century to disparagingly describe rigid moral codes and those who observed them ("bluenoses"). This theory is supported by the fact that the laws were based on the biblical injunction prohibiting work on the Sabbath and were designed to enforce moral standards.

Whatever the exact origin of the term, blue laws are a type of law that restricts certain activities, usually business and recreational, on specified days, most often Sundays in Western countries. The laws were originally adopted for religious reasons but have since come to serve secular purposes as well, such as providing a day of rest for the general population.

The history of blue laws in New Jersey

Over time, blue laws have been repealed in many parts of the United States, but they remain prevalent in Bergen County, New Jersey, particularly in the town of Paramus. In 1959, a vote was held to allow each of New Jersey's 21 counties to make individual decisions on blue laws, and since then, 20 out of the 21 counties have chosen to repeal them.

Bergen County's blue laws restrict the sale of certain goods on Sundays, forcing many retail stores to close for the day. This includes the sale of clothing, furniture, appliances, and electronics. Paramus, known as the "mall capital of America", has even stricter blue laws than the rest of the county, with voters repeatedly rejecting the idea of a repeal.

The origin of the term "blue laws" is believed to come from the 18th-century custom of using the word "blue" to describe any moral or cultural restriction. Another theory suggests that these laws were written on blue paper or in books with blue covers.

While some residents of Bergen County appreciate the calmer day and family time that blue laws provide, others find them inconvenient and restrictive, especially for shopping and running errands. There have been multiple attempts to overturn the laws, but strong opposition, particularly from residents concerned about increased traffic, has prevented their repeal.

Why Paramus voters support blue laws

Blue laws, also known as Sunday laws, are laws that restrict or ban some or all activities on specified days, most often Sundays. These laws are in place in parts of the United States, Canada, and some European countries. While most blue laws have been repealed in the United States, many states continue to impose tighter restrictions on the sale of alcoholic drinks and cars on Sundays.

In Paramus, New Jersey, blue laws are strictly enforced and even stricter than in the rest of Bergen County. Paramus voters have consistently rejected the idea of repealing blue laws by a large margin, with the most recent vote in 1993 being defeated by a ratio of more than 12 to 1. Here are some reasons why Paramus voters support blue laws:

Reduction in Traffic and Congestion

One of the main reasons Paramus voters favour blue laws is to reduce traffic congestion in the area. Paramus is known as the "mall capital of America," and with an average of 60,000 shoppers visiting the Garden State Plaza daily, it is a legitimate concern. By keeping retail stores closed on Sundays, voters believe that traffic can be reduced, providing a calmer day for residents.

A Day of Rest for Workers

Blue laws also provide a day of rest for retail workers, who often have to work long hours during the week, including weekends. By having a day off on Sundays, workers can spend time with their families, run errands, or simply relax. This is especially beneficial for those who work in nearby cities during the week and commute to Paramus on weekends.

Religious and Ethical Reasons

The origin of blue laws is partially rooted in religion, particularly the Christian tradition of observing Sunday as a day of rest, or the Sabbath. While the laws have evolved to include secular bases such as protecting workers and families, some Paramus voters may still support blue laws for religious or ethical reasons.

Antidote to Consumerism

Some supporters of blue laws argue that the restrictions are a way to combat consumerism. By having a day where most stores are closed, people are encouraged to spend time with their families or engage in leisure activities instead of shopping. This promotes a healthier work-life balance and can help reduce overconsumption.

Maintaining Tradition

Paramus has a unique position regarding blue laws, as they have been in place for a long time. Some voters may support the continuation of blue laws to maintain this tradition and the sense of community it brings. Additionally, with the rise of online shopping, the impact of blue laws on consumer behaviour may be less significant, making them more of a symbolic tradition.

While there is strong support for blue laws in Paramus, it is important to acknowledge that not everyone agrees with these laws. Some residents, especially those with busy schedules, may find the restrictions inconvenient for their shopping needs. Business owners may also lose potential revenue by being closed on Sundays. However, the consistent rejection of repeal attempts suggests that a significant portion of Paramus voters value the benefits of blue laws.

The impact of blue laws on Paramus retailers

Blue laws, also known as Sunday laws, are laws that restrict or ban some or all activities on specified days, usually Sundays. These laws are in place in parts of the US, Canada, and some European countries. The impact of blue laws on retailers in Paramus, New Jersey, has been significant, with both positive and negative effects.

On the one hand, blue laws have restricted commercial activities in Paramus, particularly retail operations. Most retail stores in Paramus are required to remain closed on Sundays, including department stores, malls, and most shops. This restriction applies to the sale of various goods, such as clothing, furniture, appliances, and electronics. The laws have been enforced vigorously in Paramus, with fines and even jail time for repeat offenders. As a result, retailers in Paramus have lost potential sales and revenue from Sunday operations, which could impact their overall profitability.

However, the blue laws have also brought some benefits to the area. Paramus is known for its extensive shopping malls and heavy traffic, and the laws provide a weekly break from the hustle and bustle of commercial activities. The reduced traffic on Sundays can make the area more pleasant for residents, giving them a day of rest and family time. Additionally, retail employees get a guaranteed day off, which can improve their work-life balance.

Overall, the blue laws in Paramus have had a notable impact on retailers, shaping the commercial landscape and influencing the shopping behaviour of consumers in the area.

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