PARAMUS TAKES ON AMERICAN DREAM: BATTLE OVER SUNDAY SALES VIOLATIONS
JerseyTalks StaffParamus Officials Consider Legal Action Against American Dream Over Sunday Sales
Paramus officials are exploring legal action against American Dream after learning the megamall’s retail shops have been open on Sundays, violating Bergen County’s Blue Laws. These laws, dating back to the 17th century, prohibit the sale of nonessential items like furniture and clothing on Sundays, with exceptions for essentials such as groceries and pharmacies.
Reports indicate the mall has been breaking the law for nearly a year, angering Paramus residents who value the Blue Laws as a way to reduce traffic and maintain peace on Sundays. Mayor Chris DiPiazza called the situation unfair to local businesses, saying, “The businesses in town are now on an unlevel playing field, which had been balanced for decades.”
The borough is consulting legal counsel and seeking support from state and county officials to address the issue. DiPiazza stressed the Blue Laws’ importance, stating they are “a cornerstone of our way of life” and vowed to fight to preserve them.
Bergen County remains one of the last U.S. regions to enforce such restrictions, with supporters arguing they are key to maintaining quality of life.
The fight over Sunday sales at American Dream could set the stage for a broader debate: Will Bergen County’s Blue Laws endure, or are they destined to become a relic of the past?