Paramus borough takes action against American Dream mall for Sunday sales

In recent weeks, the Paramus Borough, located in New Jersey, filed a lawsuit against the American Dream mall situated in East Rutherford. This lawsuit alleges that the mall's retail stores are operating on Sundays, in violation of Bergen County's long-standing blue laws that prohibit the sale of nonessential items, including clothing and apparel, on that day. The blue laws in question have their origins dating back to 1798 and were initially established for various moral and religious reasons. While many counties in New Jersey have repealed these laws, Bergen County has maintained them, having voters affirm their continuation in a decision from 1980 to minimize local traffic on Sundays. The American Dream mall, which is a massive entertainment and retail complex featuring attractions like an indoor ski slope, a surf pool, and various dining options, opened its doors in 2019. At opening, the mall's operators stated publicly that they would adhere to the county's laws. However, allegations now suggest that they have ignored this commitment, allowing retailers to conduct business on Sundays, thus directly contradicting the assurances given to local officials. During this period, nearby retail establishments have remained closed on Sundays in compliance with blue laws, which raises concerns about fairness in competition. The mall's ownership maintains that the blue laws do not apply to them due to the fact that the property is state-owned. This lawsuit has ignited a dispute between local officials, community members advocating for the adherence to blue laws, and the mall’s management, who argue their operations are legal, thus depicting a clash between local regulations and state interests.