Meaning of blue law | Babel Free

Definitions

1. A restrictive religious-based law in colonial New England, especially preventing leisure activities on a Sunday.
   Canada, US, historical
2. Any puritanical or restrictive law, especially one that prohibits or restricts commercial activity on a Sunday.
   Canada, US, broadly

Examples

“Years ago, because of the Blue Laws, we couldn't serve drinks on Sunday over the bar, so we set up tables in the aisles. And we'd have different acts on a stage up front.”

“[I]t's actually a way around the Swiss blue laws demanding that shops close from Saturday afternoon until Monday morning. The laws apply everywhere but the airport, so they built a massive supermarket in the Swiss Air terminal.”

CEFR level