Thanksgiving in MA gripe

[yendi]

Before I go downstairs, so this is purely theoretical at this point.

But why the hell is there a fucking law requiring supermarkets to stay closed on Thanksgiving?

Our butts were saved on any number of occasions in GA when we were able to run out for a last-minute item.

(Don't get me started on the whole lack of beer or wine in grocery stores here.)

Happy Turkey Day, for those who live in the US, and happy Thursday to those who don't. I'l be offline for most of the day, of course.

Comments

[losgunna.livejournal.com]

Welcome to MA, home of the stupid grocery laws.

Seriously, for as liberal of a state as they are, you'd think they'd let their people shop in peace.

[rowancat.livejournal.com]

It's from the still not all off the books
Puritan laws, from when they oppressed
everyone in the Commonwealth.

[spookykat.livejournal.com]

It's a blue law here in Southeastern GA this year. Which totally bites...coz I need butter in a big way.

[dragontdc.livejournal.com]

I see an opportunity for black-market grocers.

psst... hey buddy... need some butter? baking soda? a can of yams?

[sdaisyk.livejournal.com]

My mom made a run to the grocery store at 7 this morning. We even called last night to see if/when they were going to be open. A whole bunch of people there were there to pick up their pre-made turkey dinners.

[losgunna.livejournal.com]

I'll admit to being at my local high-end grocery store at 8am for fresh bread to take today :)

[voltbang.livejournal.com]

I find it amusing that "liberal" states have wildly uptight laws, while "conservative" states sometimes allow more. I live in VA, where you can't buy alchohol after midnight, and you have to buy liquor in a state run (socialist) store. Our selection is limited because all alcholic beverages have to be approved by a state board, and that process is time consuming and expensive.

[elorie.livejournal.com]

Well, it means they can't make anyone work on Thanksgiving, for one thing.

[cissa.livejournal.com]

Yes, this. Which I think is a very Good Thing, especially now that pretty much every kind of store here in MA can be open pretty much every other day of the year. (This was not true when I first moved here- NOTHING was allowed to be open Sundays, for instance.)

[amokk]

Is that something that really needs to have legislation covering?

This is why I hate people who say, "there should be a law against that!"

Sit down, stfu. Grocery stores should get to decide if they want to be open on a holiday or not.

[ellyssian.livejournal.com]

Yes, this x2.

When did they first drop the Sunday thing? Mid-eighties, at the earliest, but I don't recall...

It still leaves me in amazement when I realize stores are actually open on a Sunday...

[cissa.livejournal.com]

Mid-80s sounds about right for that. Liquor stores being open for a few hours on Sun. was more recent- late 90s, maybe?

I'm probably prejudiced since I hate shopping recreationally, but I rather miss the blue laws. I think they were good for families, etc.

Now: IF the stores were required legally to staff on "off" days only via bribery and not coercion- I'd be more approving. But they force rather than bribe. And while I'm not a free market absolutist- this just seems really, really WRONG. They want people to work on off days and holidays? make it enticing for them to do so- and then I have NO problem with it. But that's not how it works.

[ellyssian.livejournal.com]

Exactly.

[yendi]

See, why not go for a law that regulates coercion, instead of closing, then? Especially since other businesses can be open on the day (movie theatres, variety stores, etc)? There are often plenty of folks (single, poor) who'd love to get time-and-a-half from working a holiday. It just seems like the actual law that was passed was a stupid and shortsighted one.