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The legislature will consider whether to allow hunting and liquor sales on Sundays.
A bill, filed by Democratic Sen. Julia Boseman, would remove a prohibition set into law in the 19th century, presumably to keep the traditional Christian Sabbath holy. Another bill would allow alcohol sales.
As a Southern state within the Bible Belt, North Carolina has more than a few so-called blue laws that restrict activities on Sundays:
ALCOHOL SALES: It is illegal to sell alcoholic beverages before noon, and counties may further restrict rural sales until 7 a.m. Monday.
ABC STORES: No state-run alcohol store can be open on Sunday, New Year's Day, the Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day or Christmas day.
COURT SUMMONS: Sheriff's deputies and other law enforcement officers may not deliver court summons on Sundays.
SCHOOL: No public school classes can be held on Sunday.
LOCAL OPTION: With proper public notice, local government can regulate or prohibit other types of business on Sundays.
In addition, the N.C. Department of Correction is required to offer religious services to prisoners on Sundays "and at such other times as may be deemed appropriate."
Eleven states limit Sunday hunting.
According to the National Rifle Association, a gun rights advocacy group, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Virginia, New Jersey and Connecticut prohibit hunting on Sundays completely.
Four states have more limited bans.
Maryland allows it on two Sundays during deer season; South Carolina, on private land; North Carolina, on some federal installations; and West Virginia, in local counties that have approved it.
New York, Ohio and Michigan have overturned Sunday hunting bans in recent years.