Why Stores Can’t Ruin Thanksgiving in Maine
A lil info in case ya didn't know.Thanksgiving will be ruined across the country by big box stores, but not here in Maine! Big box stores have been promoting fiercely that they will again open on Thanksgiving to kick off the holiday shopping season.
Maine is only one of three states with what is known as Blue Laws, passed in 1963. It prohibits almost every retailer in the state to be open on Thanksgiving. Rhode Island and Massachusetts are the only other states that have similar laws.
There are a few establishments that are allowed to remain open. Movie theaters, restaurants, pharmacies, bowling alleys and convenience stores can remain open. Retail stores with less than five employees and are less than 5,000 square-feet also can open their doors on Turkey Day.
Maine however could break away from Blue Laws in 2015. The Retail Association of Maine says they would support a law that gives municipalities and their voters the local option to open stores on Thanksgiving.
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