When did Blue Laws end in New York?
Asked by: Ms. Tiffany Borer II | Last update: August 7, 2025Score: 5/5 (22 votes)
The ban on Sunday sales in New York State had been in existence since 1656, when implemented by Dutch colony of the New Netherland, but was voided after 320 years as unconstitutional, in a unanimous decision by the state's highest court on June 17, 1976, because of a finding that “parts of the statue that are rarely ...
When did blue laws end in NY?
There are signs, however, that even the most stalwart blue laws are not long for the world. New York's long-standing ban on Sunday liquor sales was finally lifted by the state legislature in 2003--though not without having to override a veto from Governor George Pataki.
When was the blue law abolished?
In 1988, some store owners whose businesses were still prohibited from operating on Sunday sued the Commonwealth to try to overturn the law. In September of that year, the Supreme Court of Virginia ruled that the law was unconstitutional and therefore void, finally ending almost 400 years of blue laws.
Does the blue law still exist in New Jersey?
In New Jersey, blue laws have existed since the 1700s. However, as of 1959, each county has the ability to decide whether to enforce them. Over the years, all but Bergen County have abandoned the Sunday shopping bans, which prohibit the sale of clothes, jewelry, cars, home-improvement and other select goods.
Can I buy beer on Sunday in NY?
Off-premises (supermarket or grocery stores) beer sales are permitted at all times. Off-premises (liquor store or retailer) liquor and wine sales are prohibited between midnight and 8 AM, and Sundays between 10 PM and 10 AM.
Sunday Cocktails, New York Changes Blue Laws
In what states can you buy alcohol 24 hours a day?
Nevada, in contrast to its neighbor Utah, is the only state where you can buy alcohol any hour of the day. Unlike other states with a designated time that bars must close (usually 1 to 4 a.m.), Nevada has no required "last call."
Is public drinking legal in NYC?
No person shall drink or consume an alcoholic beverage, or possess, with intent to drink or consume, an open container containing an alcoholic beverage in any public place except at a block party, feast or similar function for which a permit has been obtained.
Why is it called a blue law?
blue law, in U.S. history, a law forbidding certain secular activities on Sunday. The name may derive from Samuel A. Peters's General History of Connecticut (1781), which purported to list the stiff Sabbath regulations at New Haven, Connecticut; the work was printed on blue paper.
Is NJ still a blue state?
The state is considered a stronghold of the Democratic Party and has supported the Democratic candidate in every presidential election since 1992. Democrats have also controlled both chambers of the state legislature since 2004. New Jersey currently has two Democratic United States senators.
What states don't sell alcohol on Sunday?
- Montana.
- Utah.
- Oklahoma.
- Tennessee.
- North Carolina.
- Pennsylvania.
Do shops close early on Sunday in America?
United States. Many states in the United States have reduced hours of operation on Sundays in some form or another. A few local municipalities still prohibit Sunday shopping. Some local jurisdictions have regulations on if and when bars and restaurants may be open on Sundays.
Does Texas have blue laws?
In Texas, blue laws prohibit the sale of liquor on Sundays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day, with additional restrictions on beer and wine sales.
What is the Sunday law in Germany?
In the Federal Republic of Germany, the Ladenschlussgesetz or "Shop Closing Law" (abbreviated: LadSchlG) is the federal "blue law" compelling retail stores to close to the public on Sundays and Christian holidays.
Are there still blue laws in the US?
While most blue laws have been repealed in the country after the American War of Independence (1775-1783), there are still many states that have stricter regulations on alcohol and car sales on Sundays.
Can you drink in New York at 18?
Persons under 21 are prohibited from purchasing alcohol or possessing alcohol with the intent to consume, unless the alcohol was given to that person by their parent or legal guardian. There is no law prohibiting persons under the age of 21 consuming alcohol that was given to them by their parent or legal guardian.
Why can't you buy clothes on Sunday in New Jersey?
Of course, they pointed out to me that we just stopped at Wawa, and that was indeed open, so what was my problem. Here is the legal reason. Apparently, NJ has what are referred to as "Blue Law's." These Blue Laws (which date back to the 1600's) say which businesses can and cannot be open on Sunday.
Is Indian a red or blue state?
Indiana is one of fifty U.S. states. The state is considered a stronghold for the Republican Party and is rated R+11 on the Cook Partisan Voting Index. The state has supported the Republican candidate in every presidential election since 1968, with the exception of 2008.
Is New Jersey a white state?
Race and ethnicity in New Jersey are: White alone 55%, Black alone 13.1%; Hispanic 21.6%; Asian alone 10%; American Indian and Alaska Native alone .
What countries have blue laws?
While less prevalent today, blue laws continue to be enforced in parts of the United States and Canada as well as in European countries, such as Austria, Germany, Norway, and Poland, where most stores are required to close on Sundays.
Why is it called color of law?
In the United States Code, the term color of law describes and defines an action that has either a "mere semblance of legal right", or the "pretense of right", or the "appearance of right", which adjusts and colors the law to the circumstance, whilst the apparently legal action is itself illegal.
Are there blue laws in Florida?
Florida doesn't have any state-level blue laws. Some counties restricted alcohol sales on Sunday, but recently, these restrictions have been lifted or relaxed. For example, Tampa lifted its regulations in 2021.
Can you drink in a car in NYC?
New York State's Vehicle & Traffic Law prohibits any driver or passenger of a motor vehicle on a public highway from consuming an alcoholic beverage, or from possessing an open container containing an alcoholic beverage.
Is New York strict on alcohol?
Drinking Alcohol in Public in New York: Regulations
New York State has strict laws governing public alcohol consumption. Generally, drinking in public places, such as streets or parks, is prohibited. Violating these laws can result in fines or even arrest.
How late can you buy beer in NYC?
The New York State Liquor Authority (or “SLA”) allows a liquor/wine store to open and sell alcohol to the public Monday through Saturday until midnight. On Sundays, a liquor/wine store can sell only from noon until 9:00 p.m. Grocery stores and drug stores cannot sell beer on Sundays from 3:00 a.m. until noon.