blue laws

British  

plural noun

1. history a number of repressive puritanical laws of the colonial period, forbidding any secular activity on Sundays

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blue laws Cultural  

1. Laws that prohibit certain businesses from opening on Sunday or from selling certain items on that day. Blue laws often apply to bars and to alcohol sales. Originally enacted to allow observation of Sunday as a Sabbath, blue laws have come under attack as violating the separation of church and state. The courts, however, have upheld most blue laws, on the basis that their observance has become secular and promotes Sunday as a day of rest and relaxation.

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Example Sentences

To strengthen their findings, the researchers examined the repeal of "blue laws," which had previously restricted many businesses from operating on Sundays.

From Science Daily

Welcome to the patchwork of America's blue laws—restrictions on alcohol sales that vary not just by state, but often by county or even city.

From Salon

The bans stem from so-called “blue laws” that also regulate which businesses can remain open and where alcohol can be sold on Sundays.

From Seattle Times

In a society in which Sundays are no longer demarcated by blue laws and quieter rhythms, churches face increasing competition year-round from events like youth soccer tournaments.

From New York Times

The ban on early Sunday alcohol sales remained in place even after the Legislature in 2019 voted to eliminate North Dakota’s so-called blue laws that prohibited retailers from opening Sunday morning.

From Washington Times