Senator Randy Kuhl has placed a bill before the senate at Albany proposing that the last of the “blue laws” be repealed, though he expressed doubt that the legislature would take action before adjourning. The present iteration of these laws, which date back to the end of the age of Prohibition (though the laws have been modified since), mandates that stores that sell liquor and wine for carry be shuttered between midnight and 8 a.m. Monday through Saturday, all day Sunday, and on Christmas.

A study released this week by liquor distillers calling for an end to the blue laws claims that such a change would generate up to $70 million in tax revenue and as many as 2,000 new jobs. Perhaps the job and revenue estimates are optimistic, but there is at least some truth to the idea that consumers are buying less alcohol as a consequence of the stores being closed. More sales will equal more sales taxes and it seems odd — at least by the logic that obtains in Albany — for the legislature to fight an increase in revenue that burdens no constituency.

But it seems to us that even if there were no financial incentive for the state to repeal the blue laws, neither is there any reason to continue with laws that are not merely anachronistic but fundamentally anti-market. No one would dream of prohibiting the sale of, say, toothpaste on Tuesdays, but somehow the idea that liquor patrons and customers should have to abide by these closings can become law and remain law.

After 68 years, it may be too late to move swiftly. Those who oppose the bill claim that mom and pop operations don’t want the pressure of having either to open on Sundays or to suffer a loss of business. But there is no compulsion to ever be open — why then a law forcing lawful businesses to close? We don’t feel so much of a stake ourselves in drinking Sunday mornings, but it seems passing strange for the government to involve itself in our ability to make such a purchase should we be struck by the desire.