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Blue Law

By Shari Waters, About.com

Definition:

Rules created to prohibit particular activities to certain days or hours.

Originally created to enforce moral standards, blue laws were based on religious principles. Many blue laws have been removed from the law books or are no longer enforced. However, prohibition on alcohol sales, and other shopping, on Sundays are still in effect in some areas.

Also Known As: Sunday Shopping, Sabbath Laws, Sunday Closing Law
Examples: Until the city council voted to repeal its blue laws, our retail store was not allowed to open before 1 PM on Sundays. We can now conduct business during any hours we choose.
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