Austin Business Lawyer

Blue Laws

Blue laws, while not federally enforced, are still quite common in the United States. This particular term refers to laws that are put in place in order to enforce certain moral or religious standards. For example, some counties have restrictions on the sale of alcohol, mandating that it cannot be sold during certain hours or on certain days of the week.

History of Blue Laws

The most common blue laws in the US pertain to Christianity and respecting the Sabbath as a day of rest. In 1617, the first blue law was put into effect in Virginia, mandating that all colonists must attend required church services on Sundays. It also gave the militia the power to physically enforce this condition. As blue laws developed, they grew to include the prohibition of certain activities on the Sabbath, including working, traveling, having sexual intercourse, and wearing expensive clothing.

Once the nineteenth century arrived, many of these laws become obsolete and were overturned due to their violation of guaranteed freedom of religious beliefs. Despite this, however, some laws remained intact within the borders of certain states or counties. In Texas, restrictions remain on where alcohol may sold, what can be stocked in liquor stores, and when these sales can be performed.

Contact Us

For more information on blue laws in Texas, please contact the Austin business lawyer of Slater, Kennon & Pugh Ltd.LLP at 512-472-2431 today.