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Lawmaker Wants To Bar Stores From Opening On Thanksgiving

USDA

A proposal in the Missouri House would make it illegal for retail stores to open for business on Thanksgiving Day. 

It’s one of several bills pre-filed by state lawmakers ahead of next year’s regular legislative session. 

The proposal is sponsored by Democrat Jeff Roorda of Jefferson County.  He says it’s in response to the ongoing push by retailers to open for business on nationally-recognized holidays.

“It’s Thanksgiving Day, it’s not Black Friday’s Eve. It’s just silly what these retailers are doing to the families of folks that work for them,” says Roorda.

Roorda says restaurants, pharmacies and gas stations in Missouri would be exempt from the proposed law. 

The 2013 regular legislative session begins January 9th.

Marshall Griffin is the Statehouse reporter for St. Louis Public Radio.
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