Foster’s argues that Maine should follow New Hampshire’s example, and rescind its antiquated Blue Laws.

Blue laws didn’t die easily in New Hampshire. Many wanted to protect the day of rest — some for religious reasons, others just wanted a day of rest.

But that was decades ago. Today, there is little commercial difference between Sunday or any other day of the week.

Not so in Maine, at least as car dealers are concerned.

Last week a legislative committee voted down a measure that, if eventually OK’d by the Legislature, would have allowed Sunday car sales. Perhaps no big deal in and of itself, but for businesses who compete with New Hampshire the issue is significant.

A few feet to the east of that line that separates the two states, a dealership can’t do business on Sunday, but throw a stone to the west and dealerships are open. Yet, it is hard to argue any significant difference between residents living just over that line in either direction.

Blue Laws arbitrarily limit freedom, imposing social norms on all whether or not they share the same beliefs. If a commercial transaction is legal on Saturday and on Monday, it shouldn’t be illegal on Sunday. Car dealers, or any other business, shouldn’t be forced to keep their doors open on the weekend, but as long as customers want to shop on the weekends, stores should be allowed to cater to them.

However, as a member of the New Hampshire Economic Recovery Coalition, we would hope Maine lawmakers keep their businesses closed on Sundays so that more people will buy their cars in the Granite State.