BOSTON (AP) — A Puritan-era policy of forbidding alcohol sales on the Sabbath ended statewide on Sunday as liquor stores in some cities and towns began non-holiday Sunday sales of wine, beer and spirits for the first time in centuries.
The new policy did not go into effect in every community. Stores stayed closed in cities and towns that have not yet enacted the change locally, and municipalities can opt out completely.
In Somerville, Barry Yaffe, 46, opened the doors at Paul Revere Beverage at noon. Yaffe, whose parents own the store, said he didn't have much of a choice.
"I like having the day off, too, but if business is going to be there and help me pay my bills, then I'm going to be open," he said.
The ban was one of the last vestiges of so-called "blue laws" dating from pre-colonial times, when activities that were deemed to promote vice or sinful behavior, such as liquor sales, were forbidden on Sundays.
In May, New York state also began allowing Sunday liquor sales.