The Sunday Beer Conundrum: A Polka-Filled Puzzle

Can't Buy Beer on Sunday Polka is a song about the frustration of not being able to purchase beer on Sundays due to blue laws. These laws, also known as Sunday laws, restrict or ban certain activities on specified days, often Sundays in the Western world. While most blue laws have been repealed in the United States, many states continue to impose tighter restrictions on the sale of alcoholic beverages on Sundays. The song captures the sentiment of someone who wants to buy a beer on a Sunday but is unable to do so because of these legal restrictions.

The history of blue laws in the US

Blue laws, also known as Sunday laws, are laws that restrict or ban some or all activities on specified days, usually Sundays. The laws were originally adopted for religious reasons, specifically to promote the observance of the Christian day of worship. Since then, they have come to serve secular purposes as well.

The first known law regarding the prohibition of Sunday labour was promulgated by the Roman Emperor Constantine in AD 321. The earliest laws in North America addressing Sunday activities and public behaviour were enacted in the Jamestown Colony in 1619 by the first General Assembly of Virginia. These laws included a mandate requiring attendance by all colonists at both morning and afternoon worship services on Sundays, as well as provisions addressing idleness, gambling, drunkenness, and excessive apparel. Similar laws aimed at keeping the Sabbath holy and regulating morals were soon adopted throughout the colonies.

In the United States, blue laws commonly ban certain business and recreational activities on Sundays, and impose restrictions on the retail sale of hard goods and consumables, particularly alcoholic beverages. The laws also place limitations on a range of other endeavours, including travel, fashions, hunting, professional sports, stage performances, movie showings, and gambling.

While blue laws are less prevalent today, they continue to be enforced in parts of the United States. Many states prohibit the sale of alcohol on Sundays in some form, and some states continue to ban the sale of cars on Sundays. In addition, blue laws in the United States may also prohibit retail activity on days other than Sunday, such as Thanksgiving and Christmas.

The term "blue laws" may derive from Samuel A. Peters's "General History of Connecticut" (1781), which purported to list the stiff Sabbath regulations at New Haven, Connecticut, and was printed on blue paper. However, this account has been proven unreliable. A more probable derivation is based on the 18th-century usage of the word "blue" meaning "rigidly moral" in a disparaging sense.

Sunday alcohol sales restrictions in New York

Sunday alcohol sales restrictions, also known as "blue laws", are enforced in many parts of the United States. These laws are historically rooted in religion, particularly the Christian tradition of Sabbath observance, and aim to promote a day of rest. While most blue laws have been repealed across the US, many states continue to impose tighter restrictions on the sale of alcohol on Sundays.

In New York, the sale of alcohol is regulated by a set of laws known as the Alcohol Beverage Control Law (ABC Law). These laws govern various aspects of alcohol, including its manufacturing, purchasing, serving, selling, and consuming within the state.

Prior to the mid-2000s, the sale of beer for off-premises consumption was prohibited in New York before noon on Sundays. This restriction was a remnant of a royal decree during the Colonial era. Changes to the law made during Governor George Pataki's administration lifted this ban, allowing beer sales on Sundays, except between 3 a.m. and 8 a.m. Counties in New York have the flexibility to adjust these hours, either extending them to midnight and noon or permitting 24-hour beer sales on other days.

For on-premises consumption in New York, alcohol may not be served for four hours from 4 a.m. to 8 a.m., Monday through Saturday. On Sundays, this limitation is extended by two hours, resulting in a six-hour restriction from 4 a.m. to 10 a.m. This extended limitation on Sundays is intended to accommodate both New York City's vibrant nightlife and the needs of late-night workers across the state.

In October 2023, Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation to further expand Sunday alcohol sales in the state. This new package of laws allows for the retail sale of beer on Sundays and permits liquor and wine stores to operate from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays. Previously, liquor stores could not open until noon on Sundays. This change addresses New York's historic blue laws, which have been a subject of discussion among elected officials in recent years.

The popularity of Beer Barrel Polka during World War II

"Beer Barrel Polka", originally a Czech song titled "Škoda lásky", became a worldwide phenomenon during World War II. Composed by Czech musician Jaromír Vejvoda in 1927, the song was originally played as an instrumental folk tune without lyrics and was known as "Modřanská polka" or "Polka of Modřany". It gained immense popularity during the war as a drinking song, with soldiers from various countries singing it regardless of their allegiances.

The first lyrics for the song were written by Vašek (Václav) Zeman in 1934, and it was called "Škoda lásky" ("Unrequited Love" or "Wasted Love"). However, it was the English version with lyrics by Lew Brown and Wladimir Timm that became extremely popular. The song celebrated the repeal of Prohibition in the United States and was recorded by The Andrews Sisters in 1939, becoming a jukebox favourite. It was also covered by other renowned artists, including the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Benny Goodman, and Billie Holiday.

During World War II, "Beer Barrel Polka" was translated into numerous languages, contributing to its widespread appeal. Its catchy melody and upbeat lyrics made it a beloved song among soldiers, and it was even played during VE Day celebrations outside Buckingham Palace by English jazz musician Humphrey Lyttelton. The song's popularity extended beyond the war, becoming an unofficial state song in Wisconsin and a staple at sporting events for teams like the Milwaukee Brewers, Green Bay Packers, and Milwaukee Panthers.

The success of "Beer Barrel Polka" during World War II can be attributed to its infectious melody, lively lyrics, and ability to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers, bringing people together in celebration and camaraderie, even in the midst of a global conflict.

The song's Czech origins

The Beer Barrel Polka, also known as "Roll Out the Barrel", is a popular polka song with Czech origins. The music for the song was composed in 1927 by the Czech musician Jaromír Vejvoda. It was originally played without lyrics as the "Polka of Modřany", a song to dance to. The first arrangement of the piece was written by Eduard Ingriš, after Vejvoda sought his help in refining the melody.

In 1934, the first lyrics for the song were written by Vašek Zeman. The song was then called "Škoda lásky" ("Unrequited Love" or "Wasted Love" in English), and it told a sad love story that contrasted with the joyful melody. The song was a hit in Czechoslovakia, and its reproduction rights were soon sold to accordionist Will Glahé, who recorded a German version called "Rosamunde". This became a number-one hit in Germany in 1939, and the song also spread to the United States, where it was recorded by artists including Frank Sinatra, the Andrews Sisters, and the Glenn Miller Orchestra.

During World War II, the song's melody became popular among soldiers on both sides of the front, with different lyrics in different languages. It was also brought to England by Czechoslovak airmen, and it became a favourite of General Dwight D. Eisenhower. After the war, the song's Czech origins were largely forgotten in many places, and it was often considered a traditional song in other countries.

Sunday alcohol sales restrictions in other US states

Sunday alcohol sales restrictions are enforced in many US states, and these laws are known as "blue laws" or "Sunday laws". While most blue laws have been repealed, many states continue to impose tighter restrictions on the sale of alcohol on Sundays. Here are some examples of Sunday alcohol sales restrictions in different US states:

Arizona

Previously, Arizona limited alcohol sales hours on Sundays from 2 a.m. to 10 a.m., while alcohol could be purchased starting at 6 a.m. on the other days of the week. However, this law was repealed in 2010.

Arkansas

In Arkansas, 39 out of its 75 counties are "dry", meaning the sale of any alcoholic beverage is entirely prohibited. Alcohol and liquor sales are generally prohibited on Sundays and statewide on Christmas Day, although some exceptions are made for private facilities.

Connecticut

Until 2012, Connecticut had a ban on selling alcohol on Sundays. The law was repealed by the state legislature in that year.

District of Columbia

In Washington, D.C., private retailers (Class A) are allowed to sell distilled spirits, but they are required to be closed on Sundays. However, grocery stores (Class B retailers) may sell beer and wine on Sundays. The restriction on Class A retailers was repealed in May 2013.

Georgia

Until 2011, Sunday retail alcohol sales in stores were prohibited by the Georgia General Assembly. In 2011, legislation was passed to allow local communities to vote on whether to permit alcohol sales on Sundays. While sales are now allowed, they are still restricted before 12:30 p.m. on Sundays.

Indiana

Indiana is one of the few states that prohibit the sale of spirits, wine, and beer on Sundays. However, breweries, wineries, bars, restaurants, and sports venues are exempt from this restriction. Additionally, Sunday carry-out alcohol sales are permitted between noon and 8 p.m.

Maine

In Maine, alcohol sales are permitted from 5 a.m. until 1 a.m. the following day. While a restriction on early morning Sunday sales was repealed in 2015, alcohol sales are still prohibited on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and Memorial Day until noon.

Maryland

In Maryland, alcohol sales are generally allowed from 2 a.m. until 7 a.m. every day. However, alcohol sales are banned on Sundays in most counties.

Massachusetts

Massachusetts previously banned alcohol sales on Sundays until 12 p.m. and on Christmas Day from 12 a.m. to 12 p.m. This restriction was repealed in late 2010. Now, alcohol sales are only banned from 2 a.m. to 7 a.m. every day, with an exception for New Year's Day when sales are permitted until 4 a.m.

Mississippi

The sale of alcohol is prohibited in most of Mississippi on Sundays, and liquor sales are banned in nearly half of the state's counties.

New Jersey

New Jersey has some of the most restrictive blue laws in the country. In Bergen County, there is a ban on selling electronics, clothing, and furniture on Sundays. Additionally, Paramus, a city within Bergen County, has even stricter laws, banning all types of work on Sundays except for essential services.

North Carolina

North Carolina does not allow alcohol sales from 2 a.m. to 7 a.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 2 a.m. to either 10 a.m. or 12 p.m. on Sundays, depending on the county.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania has strict laws regarding alcohol sales. Wines and spirits can only be purchased from state-owned Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores, and beer can only be bought from restaurants, bars, licensed beer stores, or distributors. Sunday alcohol sales are allowed after 1 p.m. and in sports arenas after 11 a.m.

Tennessee

In Tennessee, bartenders are prohibited from serving alcohol for on-premises consumption between 3 a.m. and 10 a.m. on Sundays, unless the local government has decided to disallow extended hours, in which case sales before noon are prohibited.

Texas

Texas has complex alcohol laws that vary depending on the type of alcohol and the place of consumption. Liquor sales are more restrictive than beer and wine sales, and they can only be sold at specialized stores. Alcohol sales are prohibited at certain times, including on Sundays before 10 a.m. (previously noon before August 31, 2021).

Frequently asked questions