TELL US: Should Mass. Blue Laws Be Eliminated?
Blue laws prohibit retailers from opening before midnight on Black Friday.
Black Friday is starting earlier than ever, as some national retailers have announced they will open the night of Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 22. However, here in Massachusetts, state blue laws prohibit stores from opening until midnight, according to a report by the Boston Globe. Current blue laws prohibit retailers in the state from opening on Thanksgiving, thus preventing them from getting an early start on Black Friday sales, according to the Globe article. Some exceptions are restaurants, health care facilities and gas stations. The laws, instituted in the 17th century, are intended to make sure holidays are properly observed, according to the Boston Globe. Are Massachusetts' blue laws outdated? Should they be eliminated? Tell us …
mdonahue
10:31 am on Tuesday, November 20, 2012
I believe Blue Laws need to be in place in order to protect worker's rights. If stores are open, then they need to be staffed. Its bad enough that emergency workers and hospital staff need to work on the holidays. This is one secular holiday that everyone in the US celebrates. Enjoy a peaceful day - shop on Friday ! more ›