New Jersey's American Dream Mall Sued Over Sunday Sales Restrictions

Paramus Sues American Dream Mall Over Sunday Retail Operations

The prominent American Dream mall, a major retail and entertainment complex located in East Rutherford, New Jersey, is facing a lawsuit from the neighboring town of Paramus. The legal action centers on allegations that the sprawling mall has been permitting the sale of clothing and other specific retail items on Sundays, a practice that Paramus contends violates its long-standing local ordinances known as "blue laws." This dispute highlights a clash between modern commercial operations and traditional community regulations.

Understanding New Jersey's Blue Laws

Blue laws are historical statutes that restrict certain commercial activities on Sundays. Originating from colonial times, these laws often had religious roots, aiming to promote a day of rest. While many municipalities across the United States have relaxed or abolished these laws over time, some towns, particularly in New Jersey, still maintain strict enforcement for specific types of businesses. Paramus is one of the few remaining towns in Bergen County, New Jersey, that rigorously upholds these Sunday closing rules. In Paramus, businesses selling items like clothing, furniture, and major appliances are generally required to remain closed on Sundays, though essential services and some other retail categories are exempt.

The American Dream Mall's Position in the Controversy

The American Dream mall is known for its wide array of attractions, including indoor theme parks, a water park, an ice rink, and numerous dining establishments, alongside its extensive retail offerings. Its entertainment venues and restaurants typically operate on Sundays, drawing large crowds. However, its traditional retail stores, particularly those falling under the blue law restrictions, are usually expected to close. The lawsuit by Paramus suggests that the mall has allowed some of its tenants, specifically those selling clothing, to operate on Sundays, thereby infringing upon the established local regulations that other businesses in the area must adhere to.

Implications of the Legal Challenge

This lawsuit carries significant implications for both the American Dream mall and the town of Paramus. For the mall, a ruling in favor of Paramus could lead to stricter enforcement of Sunday closing rules for a broader range of its retail tenants, potentially impacting revenue and customer traffic on what can be a very busy shopping day. For Paramus, the legal action represents an effort to preserve its unique community character and uphold its long-standing ordinances, which have shaped the local economy and lifestyle for decades. The outcome could also serve as an important precedent for how these historical blue laws are interpreted and applied in the context of large, modern commercial developments.

What happens next

The legal proceedings will now move forward, with both the town of Paramus and the American Dream mall expected to present their arguments in court. The court will likely delve into the specific language of the local ordinances, examine the mall's operational practices, and consider any past agreements or understandings between the parties regarding Sunday operations. A judicial decision in this matter could either mandate stricter adherence to the blue laws by the mall, potentially lead to a negotiated settlement between Paramus and the American Dream, or offer a new interpretation of how these historical regulations apply to contemporary, large-scale retail and entertainment complexes in the region.