Robert E. Levy
Partner
201-896-7163 rlevy@sh-law.comKey Contacts
Back
Most 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.
- Practices: Corporate Transactions & Business
- Locations: Red Bank, NJ, Little Falls, NJ, New York City
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
What Founders Can Learn From Start-up Suits
High-profile founder litigation is more than just a media spectacle. For startup founders, these cases underscore the legal and structural risks that can arise when rapid growth outpaces formal oversight. While launching a new company can be both an exciting and deeply rewarding endeavor, founders must be mindful that it also comes with significant risks. […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Corporate Governance Reviews: A Practical Guide for New Jersey Companies
Every New Jersey company should periodically evaluate its governance framework. Strong corporate governance protects directors and officers, builds investor confidence, reduces litigation exposure, and positions a company for sustainable growth. The first quarter of the year is a great time to evaluate your corporate governance practices and perform any routine maintenance needed to keep that […]
Author: Ken Hollenbeck
What to Do After Being Served with a Lawsuit: Steps to Protect Your Legal Rights
Being served with a lawsuit is one of the most stressful legal events a business or individual can face. Whether the claim involves a contract dispute, an employment matter, an intellectual property issue, or another legal challenge, the actions you take in the first few days can significantly shape the outcome of your case. Acting […]
Author: Robert E. Levy
Will 2026 Be a Banner Year for SPACs? Understanding the Risks and Opportunities
Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs) continue to gain momentum as we move through 2026. After enduring a significant contraction following the 2021 boom and the regulatory scrutiny that followed, SPAC activity rebounded sharply in 2025 and now carries forward into 2026 with real momentum. The SPAC resurgence reflects broader improvements in both market conditions and the […]
Author: Dan Brecher
Why Compliance Monitoring Matters for NY and NJ Businesses
Compliance programs are no longer judged by how they look on paper, but by how they function in the real world. Compliance monitoring is the ongoing process of reviewing, testing, and evaluating whether policies, procedures, and controls are being followed—and whether they are actually working. What Is Compliance Monitoring? In today’s heightened regulatory environment, compliance […]
Author: Dan Brecher
When Are New Jersey Business Owners Personally Liable for Corporate Debt?
New Jersey personal guaranty liability is a critical issue for business owners who regularly sign contracts on behalf of their companies. A recent New Jersey Supreme Court decision provides valuable guidance on when a business owner can be held personally responsible for a company’s debt. Under the Court’s decision in Extech Building Materials, Inc. v. […]
Author: Charles H. Friedrich
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
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.