blue laws

British  

plural noun

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

---

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 Originally enacted to allow observation of Sunday as a Sabbath, blue laws have come under attack as violating the separation of church and state.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.

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

blue laws

Remnants of the old blue laws remain in some American states or localities where regulations place restrictions on the retail sale of alcohol on Sundays or—idiosyncratically—prohibit auto dealers from selling cars.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 27, 2026

A major wave of repeals took place in 1985, when Minnesota, South Carolina, and Texas eliminated their blue laws.

From Science Daily ● Dec. 20, 2025

Most states repealed their blue laws year ago, but they allow local jurisdictions to set their own rules, which can get confusing.

From Salon ● May 24, 2025

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 ● Dec. 18, 2022

Because of the blue laws in the town the show closed for the Sabbath.

From "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" by Carson McCullers