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- Massachusetts Blue Laws control which businesses can be open or closed on legal holidays.
- Massachusetts is one of just three states that prohibit stores from opening on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Massachusetts still has laws on the books from over 300 years ago, some of which still affect modern day holidays.
These laws, known as blue laws, stem from the colonial days. Most of them, like laws making it illegal to swear at a sporting event or scare pigeons, are no longer enforced.
But some blue laws have lingered. Among other things, the Massachusetts Blue Laws control which businesses can be open or closed on legal holidays.
Here’s how the laws affect holidays, including Thanksgiving.
Massachusetts blue laws: Holidays
Under Massachusetts blue laws, there are three types of holiday restrictions on retail establishments.
Unrestricted holidays (work may be performed without a permit):
- Martin Luther King Day
- President’s Day
- Evacuation Day
- Patriots’ Day
- Bunker Hill Day
Partially Restricted Holidays (work may be performed without a permit, but employers can’t require employees to work):
- New Year’s Day
- Memorial Day
- Juneteenth Independence Day
- Independence Day
- Labor Day
- Columbus Day after 12 p.m.
- Veterans Day after 1 p.m.
Restricted Holidays (work may not be performed without permits from the Department of Labor Standards and local police):
- Columbus Day before 12 noon
- Veterans Day before 1 p.m.
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
There are slightly different rules for non-retail establishments and manufacturers, which you can find here.
What businesses have to be closed on Thanksgiving Day?
Massachusetts is one of just three states that prohibit stores from opening on Thanksgiving and Christmas. This includes retail and non-retail establishments. Maine and Rhode Island are the other two.
Manufacturers are also generally prohibited from operating, unless granted a permit by the local police.
This means that you also cannot buy alcohol on Thanksgiving, as liquor and grocery stores are closed.
