The worst part of living in Bergen County is obeying the archaic rules forbidding stores from being open on Sundays.
Now Governor Christie is looking to repeal those laws as a way to generate millions in new sales taxes. I actually think this could work because a lot of people from Manhattan do come to this part of Jersey for shopping.
The old grumps in favor of keeping the "blue laws" enjoy the peacefulness of Sundays without the traffic we see on Saturdays.
But I contend there wouldn't be as much congestion on Saturdays or Sundays if people could shop on both days.
Also, people with strange schedules like us need the extra flexibility.
"The blue laws have been in effect in Bergen County since the 1950s to give our citizens ... one day of rest from the traffic jams, noise pollution and accidents that are a nightmare on Saturday and long weekends," according to Bergen County Executive Dennis McNerney.
The last attempt to overturn the blue laws came about 10 years ago and was defeated by quite a wide margin but I don't think anyone under the age of 70 would vote against it this time around.
The law bars retail shopping on Sundays, except for necessities like gasoline and food. Consumers can't buy clothes or electronics on Sunday, but they can get a case of beer or lunch at a diner.
If Christie can get this through, I'd actually vote for him next time.
ReplyDeleteI was just talking about this with a friend today. The Sunday after that rediculous storm in March, many people in Bergen county were unable to get the supplies they needed due to archaic blue laws. I also find it rediculous that alcohol is not sold on Sundays... I believe this is a blue law related to religion. I'm not religious and should be able to buy alcohol.
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