Bergen County’s infamous blue laws made headlines once again after they were the subject on the popular game show “Jeopardy!”
Tuesday’s broadcast incorrectly stated that the law prevented Bergen County residents from purchasing anything, including alcohol, on Sundays.
In actuality, food and beverage, including alcohol, may be bought and sold under the county’s blue laws. The law only prohibits the sale and purchasing of items like clothing and furniture. The laws were enacted in the 1950s when shopping centers and malls were built. The idea was to improve peoples’ quality of life one day a week.
Many Bergen County residents tell News 12 New Jersey they were disappointed that “Jeopardy!” had the question wrong. Paramus Mayor Richard LaBarbiera even posted about it on his Facebook page.
But the incident also ignited the age-old debate about whether or not the laws are inconvenient or a necessity.
“No it’s an inconvenience when everyone works all the time,” says Paramus resident Michele Leone.
But Hillsdale resident Joe McGuire says, “If you can’t get your shopping done in six days, then you really didn’t need it.
News 12 reached out to the parent company of "Jeopardy!” about the recent broadcast, but has not yet heard back.