Blues laws have to go

Posted in: Business Opinion on April 1, 2010 at 1:16 am |

By John Soltes

(April 1, 2010) — Last week, I reported on the proposal by Gov. Chris Christie that the blue laws in Bergen County, which prohibit the sales of certain items on Sundays, should be repealed. The measure, which could save New Jersey residents approximately $65 million in sales tax revenue, is one that has been met with much controversy and consternation.

Some are in agreement with the governor; others are not.

Here, in South Bergen, the blue laws serve as an unfair limitation for businesses who wish to conduct commerce on the weekend. It is time for Bergen County to repeal these laws and move forward with a seven-day business week.

There are several reasons why these laws should be repealed. Perhaps chief among the reasons is that we are living in an economic recession where jobs are being slashed, salaries are being cut and budgets are being dwindled to their bare bones. To have the state receive an additional $65 million won’t solve the massive problems that New Jersey is facing. But it will be a good first step.

But forget about the 7-percent sales tax that New Jersey would receive. What about the 93 percent in sales that local businesses would start to see. That amount totals nearly $930 million. We are talking $1 billion in additional money — funds that are currently being shuffled to Essex County, Hudson County and even the State of New York.

Now detractors may downplay the $1 billion number, saying it is almost impossible to target the spending habits of Bergen County residents on a day they normally don’t shop. That’s true. But even if the estimates are off by 50 percent, we are talking about a sizable amount of revenue.

Why are so many politicians so vocal about keeping the blue laws intact? County Executive Dennis McNerney and Sen. Paul Sarlo say keep them. The Bergen County Board of Chosen Freeholders says keep them.

When will a public official stand up and at least say that this measure should go back to the voters? Forget about repealing. At least say, “This is so important that the voters should get another chance to voice their opinion.”

This has occurred before, and voters have spoken out in favor of the blue laws. If you are so confident in the public’s opinion on this topic, then send it to the ballot this November.

Paramus, which has many malls and a lot of business conducted within its ZIP code, is surely a reason why the blue laws are still in place. And, the point is well taken. The municipality is home to so many stores and malls that a day off from the traffic would be welcome.

But why should this come at the expense of other Bergen County residents? If Paramus is so special, then limit the scope of the blue laws to Paramus only. East Rutherford, Carlstadt, Rutherford, North Arlington, Wood-Ridge and Lyndhurst can still remain open if Paramus wants to shut down.

The religious aspect of the blue laws is an important part of this jigsaw puzzle as well. As it stands, with many in the Jewish population observing the Sabbath on Saturdays and with stores closed on Sunday, there are limited options. In some ways, the blue laws are discriminatory against many groups in society.

Sure, we are talking about inconveniences here. After all, if someone really wanted that dress in the window, why not just wait until Monday? But, why are we weighing the value of public inconveniences? After all, isn’t the situation in Paramus just an inconvenience? Who is to say locals who want less traffic should be valued over the locals who like to shop on Sundays?

There are too many negatives involving these draconian laws. Business recruitment suffers when the area is not open seven days a week. Non-salaried employees who rely on the work hours they can receive are hurt. Some members of the religious community can’t use the weekend as a shopping option. All of New Jersey is missing out in needed sales tax revenue.

Supporters of the blue laws can scream until they’re blue in the face. The fact of the matter is, repealing has become necessary.

Tags: Blue Laws Chris Christie Soltes