
Robert E. Levy
Partner
201-896-7163 rlevy@sh-law.comPartner
201-896-7163 rlevy@sh-law.comMost businesses in Camden, N.J. must continue to shutter their doors at 11 p.m. Plaintiffs, including 7-Eleven, recently lost a lawsuit challenging the city’s curfew, which is established by local ordinance.
Under the city’s ordinance, businesses located within residential zones or located in a commercial or mixed zone situated less than 200 feet from a residential zone must be closed from 11 p.m. until 6 a.m. (the curfew is extended to 12 a.m. on Friday and Saturday). There are limited exceptions to the Camden business curfew, including pharmacies and gas stations. Businesses found in violation of the ordinance face suspension or revocation of their business license.
In 7-Eleven Inc. v. City of Camden, CAM-L-5662-11, Superior Court Judge F.J. Fernandez-Vina refused to strike down the business curfew. He specifically rejected arguments that the ordinance overstepped the municipality’s authority, finding that the city’s goal of deterring crime around businesses in residential areas “is a valid exercise of police power by the governing body.” He specifically cited testimony by defense experts that areas around the city’s 26 late-night establishments had violent crime rates that doubled the city’s average.
Fernandez-Vina was also not persuaded by arguments that the ordinance threatened the profitability of local businesses. As the New Jersey Law Journal reports, 7-Eleven argued at trial that its two Camden locations would lose 30 percent of their sales, while the owner of two Crown Fried Chicken stores in Camden testified that at least 30 percent of his income came from late-night customers. However, the judge concluded that plaintiffs “failed to show even by a preponderance of the evidence presented that they would suffer a financial loss of any significance if the stores were required to close.”
As this case highlights, local ordinances may not always allow a company to operate under its existing business model. Therefore, it is important to thoroughly research all applicable rules and regulations before launching or expanding a New Jersey business.
If you have any questions about this case or would like to discuss the legal issues involved, please contact me, Robert Levy, or the Scarinci Hollenbeck attorney with whom you work.
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Secured transactions form the backbone of a wide range of business dealings, including business loans, mortgages, and inventory financing. Because the stakes are often high and relatively minor oversights can have drastic consequences, lenders and borrowers should thoroughly understand how to form an enforceable security agreement that protects their legal rights. What Is a Secured […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Cashing a check marked “paid in full” can be a risky endeavor, particularly if you don’t fully understanding the legal implications. If you are owed more than the amount of the check you accept and deposit, you may waive your right to collect the full disputed amount. That is why you should consider either rejecting […]
Author: Dan Brecher
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 (OBBBA) significantly impacts federal taxes, credits, and deductions. A key change relating to Qualified Small Business Stock (QSBS) allows greater tax-free gains for investments in startups and other qualifying small businesses. Company founders and other investors should understand how the enhanced tax strategy works or risk missing […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Corporate consolidation involves two or more businesses merging to become a single larger entity. The result is often a stronger and more competitive company that can better navigate today’s competitive marketplace. What Is Corporate Consolidation? Corporate consolidation closely resembles a basic merger transaction. The primary difference is that a consolidation creates an entirely new business […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Business law plays a critical role in nearly every aspect of running a successful enterprise, from negotiating a commercial lease to drafting employee policies to fulfilling corporate disclosure obligations. Understanding what is business law and your legal obligations can help your business run smoothly and build productive relationships with clients, business partners, regulators, and others. […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Corporate transactions can have significant implications for a corporation and its stakeholders. For deals to be successful, companies must act strategically to maximize value and minimize risk. It is also important to fully understand the legal and financial ramifications of corporate transactions, both in the near and long term. Understanding Corporate Transactions The term “corporate […]
Author: Dan Brecher
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.
Let`s get in touch!
Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!