Remember when stores were closed on Sundays?
According to a new medical research study, closing stores on Sunday or at least restricting the sale of alcohol on that day makes a lot of sense, reports Reuters.
A group of researchers studied the number of alcohol-related traffic accidents and deaths in New Mexico since the state repealed its "Blue Laws" in 1995. According to the study findings, there were 543 additional alcohol-related crashes (a 29 percent increase) on Sundays in the five years after the ban was lifted. A total of 42 alcohol-related crash deaths (a 42 percent increase) occurred during that period.
Dr. Garnett McMillan of the Behavioral Health Research Center of the Southwest in Albuquerque, New Mexico, said in a statement, "For the first time, we have real data on whether blue laws actually protect public health. Today's study finds that the Sunday ban saved lives and prevented hundreds of injuries and fatalities from alcohol-related crashes."
Under New Mexico's old law, alcohol could only be purchased in bars and restaurants on Sundays. Licensed stores are now permitted to sell alcohol between noon and midnight on Sundays.
Discussion Question: What is your reaction to this story and the need (or not) for blue laws?