Judge Blocks Enforcement of Camden, NJ Retail Curfew Law
By Molly Daly
CAMDEN, N.J. (CBS) -- Camden's business curfew, which was scheduled to go into effect tonight, won't be enforced after all -- at least for now.
The curfew, passed more than a year ago by Camden City Council to reduce crime, requires businesses within 200 feet of residential areas to close by 11pm on weeknights, and 12 midnight on weekends (see related stories).
A number of businesses that stay open late or around the clock, including 7-Eleven, sued to block its enforcement.
This would've been the curfew's first night, but New Jersey Superior Court judge Faustino Fernandez-Vina today issued an injunction that blocks police from enforcing the law, saying there's not enough urgency to implement the curfew before a trial to determine its merits.
City spokesman Robert Corrales issued a statement expressing disappointment, saying the city will comply with the judge's decision and looks forward to pursuing a full hearing as quickly as possible where all the facts will be considered.
