Difference between revisions of "Sunday Blue Law"
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Some amendments hold local ordinances and legislative bodies responsible for voting and creating laws pertaining to the selling of alcohol in particular counties or townships. In some counties, for instance, the selling of alcohol is prohibited on Election Days, Christmas Day, and any other holiday deemed "dry" by local ordinance. Blue laws could be very complex in their regulation of moral behavior. At one time or other the state banned hunting and skeet shooting, horse racing, pool playing and bowling (excepting the pool tables owned by the [[Little Rock Athletic Association]], motion pictures (before 1931), barbering, and roller coaster operation. In the 1960s the city of [[Little Rock]] banned sales of fresh sausage, pantyhose, and toilet paper, but put no similar restriction on bacon, baby clothes, or newspapers. The city rescinded its confusing, and largely unenforceable, blue laws in 1973. | Some amendments hold local ordinances and legislative bodies responsible for voting and creating laws pertaining to the selling of alcohol in particular counties or townships. In some counties, for instance, the selling of alcohol is prohibited on Election Days, Christmas Day, and any other holiday deemed "dry" by local ordinance. Blue laws could be very complex in their regulation of moral behavior. At one time or other the state banned hunting and skeet shooting, horse racing, pool playing and bowling (excepting the pool tables owned by the [[Little Rock Athletic Association]], motion pictures (before 1931), barbering, and roller coaster operation. In the 1960s the city of [[Little Rock]] banned sales of fresh sausage, pantyhose, and toilet paper, but put no similar restriction on bacon, baby clothes, or newspapers. The city rescinded its confusing, and largely unenforceable, blue laws in 1973. | ||
| − | In 1982 a state [[Supreme Court]] challenge led to the striking down of all Sunday blue laws. A 1987 change in state law allowed the Sunday sale of liquor in hotels and restaurants in four Arkansas cities: Little Rock, [[North Little Rock]], Hot Springs, and [[Weiderkehr Village]]. | + | In 1982 a state [[Arkansas Supreme Court|Supreme Court]] challenge led to the striking down of all Sunday blue laws. A 1987 change in state law allowed the Sunday sale of liquor in hotels and restaurants in four Arkansas cities: Little Rock, [[North Little Rock]], Hot Springs, and [[Weiderkehr Village]]. |
Many acts have amended the ability to sell, distribute, and otherwise obtain intoxicating liquor. Most laws limit the sale of alcoholic beverages for off-premise consumption to 7 am to 10 pm on weekdays, on-premise consumption sale is not allowed from 1 am to 7 am, and prohibit any sale of alcohol on Sundays (except by special permission with permit for on-premise consumption). Citizens found guilty of selling alcohol at any prohibited time may be found guilty of misdemeanor. | Many acts have amended the ability to sell, distribute, and otherwise obtain intoxicating liquor. Most laws limit the sale of alcoholic beverages for off-premise consumption to 7 am to 10 pm on weekdays, on-premise consumption sale is not allowed from 1 am to 7 am, and prohibit any sale of alcohol on Sundays (except by special permission with permit for on-premise consumption). Citizens found guilty of selling alcohol at any prohibited time may be found guilty of misdemeanor. | ||
Revision as of 10:12, 12 May 2011
Sunday Blue Law historically refers to the prohibited sale of many things, including drinking, gambling, bear baiting, and cock fighting, on the Sabbath. Arkansas legislators crafted the first blue laws in 1837, the year after Arkansas' statehood. An 1853 law outlawed any "game of brag, bluff, poker, seven-up, three-up, 21, 13 cards, the odd trick, 45, whist, or any other game at cards." Though most of the blue laws have since been repealed, the state still regulates the sale and use of alcohol.
Some amendments hold local ordinances and legislative bodies responsible for voting and creating laws pertaining to the selling of alcohol in particular counties or townships. In some counties, for instance, the selling of alcohol is prohibited on Election Days, Christmas Day, and any other holiday deemed "dry" by local ordinance. Blue laws could be very complex in their regulation of moral behavior. At one time or other the state banned hunting and skeet shooting, horse racing, pool playing and bowling (excepting the pool tables owned by the Little Rock Athletic Association, motion pictures (before 1931), barbering, and roller coaster operation. In the 1960s the city of Little Rock banned sales of fresh sausage, pantyhose, and toilet paper, but put no similar restriction on bacon, baby clothes, or newspapers. The city rescinded its confusing, and largely unenforceable, blue laws in 1973.
In 1982 a state Supreme Court challenge led to the striking down of all Sunday blue laws. A 1987 change in state law allowed the Sunday sale of liquor in hotels and restaurants in four Arkansas cities: Little Rock, North Little Rock, Hot Springs, and Weiderkehr Village.
Many acts have amended the ability to sell, distribute, and otherwise obtain intoxicating liquor. Most laws limit the sale of alcoholic beverages for off-premise consumption to 7 am to 10 pm on weekdays, on-premise consumption sale is not allowed from 1 am to 7 am, and prohibit any sale of alcohol on Sundays (except by special permission with permit for on-premise consumption). Citizens found guilty of selling alcohol at any prohibited time may be found guilty of misdemeanor.
References
- Richard Allin, "'Never on Sunday' Not So Anymore," Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, April 2, 1989.
