The Puritans had laws against everything. Sumptuary laws that prohibited commoners from showing off by draping a bit of lace around their cuff. And Sunday-go-to-meeting laws that were designed to keep anyone from doing anything on the Sabbath except going to church and keeping quiet with the family.
While many of these colonial prohibitions have gone the way of public floggings, the ban on Sunday liquor sales has remained on the books. Until now. This year, five states are lifting these bans. And while some are celebrating their new found freedom to buy six packs on the Sabbath, others see the end of the blue laws as further evidence of consumerism and convenience trumping faith and community in America.
Guests:
David Laband, author of “Blue Laws: The History, Economics and politics of Sunday-Closing Laws” and professor of economics at Auburn University
Peter Drummey, librarian at the Massachusetts Historical Society;