Blue laws are state or local laws which ban certain activities from taking place on Sundays, particularly entertainment, sports or drinking on Sunday. Blue laws were enacted to honor the Christian Sabbath. They originated in the New England colonies by the puritans who kept the Sabbath sacred. Blue laws were first established by the 17th century puritan leaders of the Commonwealth of Connecticut. "Blue" was commonly used in the 18th century as a disparaging reference to rigid moral codes and those who observed them. Most states have repealed blue laws, but they still exist in some states.
Those who oppose blue laws argue that they strain the limitation in the First Amendment that government ought not pursue "an establishment of religion." Their objections are based upon concerns for rights to personal freedom. On June 18, 2004, Ohio became the 31st state to pass a law abolishing its blue laws and allowing Sunday liquor sales.
