Is the second-largest mall in America breaking the law by operating on Sundays?

A lawsuit filed this week by the borough of Paramus against the American Dream says yes, and the roots of this lawsuit can be traced all the way back to the 1700s.  

“I mean it’s capitalism. You pay your taxes, you don't have to shop there if you feel a certain way about it, right?” said Ryan Quinlan.  

It’s a debate over the law of the land, at least in Bergen County.  

Old laws dating back to colonial times say only essential business can stay open on Sundays. Bergen County is the last county in New Jersey to abide by these so-called blue laws. Paramus Mayor Chris DiPiazza says American Dream is playing foul.  

“Comparing the mall side of the retail side of American Dream being open on Sunday compared to our stores being closed is an unfair advantage that decades has been a level playing field,” said DiPiazza.  

The 17-page lawsuit filed Monday lists mall operator Ameream, Bergen County, the township of East Rutherford and the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority as co-defendants. 

“Now you have the American Dream just miles from Paramus going against that law and promoting it and going against what they said when they opened that they would follow Bergen County Blue Laws,” added the Republican mayor.  

The lawsuit proved to be a popular topic of discussion over lunch at Redd’s, located next to American Dream and the Meadowlands sports complex.  

“They have got to be open. They have to make as much money as possible. After COVID? Seven days a week, any business,” said Quinlan.  

“If you’re against the law go shop, I guess but if you’re for it, don’t shop on Sundays,” said Nino Cutrono, visiting from Tampa, Florida.  

In a statement to News 12, an American Dream spokesperson says  

“The lawsuit is a meritless political stunt driven by private competitors’ interests. It is well established that Bergen County’s Blue Laws do not apply to property owned by the State—American Dream is on State property where retail sales have occurred on Sundays for decades. We look forward to our day in court.” 

“We don’t want ghost towns in Paramus. We want retail stores that all compete on the same playing field,” said DiPiazza.  

Residents in Bergen County put the blue laws to a referendum vote in 1980 and in 1993, where they voted to keep the laws in place both times.