Measure Would Make New Jersey More Competitive
TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Donald Norcross (D-Camden/Gloucester) to permit the sale of motorcycles on Sunday was approved yesterday by the Senate Transportation Committee.
“While our dealerships are closed for business, motorcycle dealers across the river are welcoming New Jersey consumers with open arms,” said Senator Norcross. “Especially in this economy, we need to give businesses the tools they need to remain competitive. This legislation will place our state on par with Delaware and give our business owners throughout New Jersey the ability to compete for sales.”
Senator Norcross introduced the legislation (S-1923) after a Camden County Harley-Davidson dealer expressed concern about losing customers as a result of the Sunday ban. While her dealership, Barb’s Harley-Davidson, is open Sunday for parts and service, Barbara Borowiec is not permitted to sell or offer to sell a motorcycle from her showroom floor under current state law.
She testified before the Senate Transportation Committee that customers who are looking to buy on the spot often will leave her dealership and make the 30-mile trip to Delaware to shop, where the Sunday sale of motorcycles is legal.
Borowiec noted that in addition to losing initial sales, she misses out on potential repeat customers. Additionally, New Jersey loses sales tax revenue on fringe items, such as clothing and accessories, purchased at out-of-state dealerships.
“Unlike cars, motorcycles and related accessories are recreational purchases. Thousands of residents, including myself, own motorcycles not for day-to-day travel, but for weekends and evenings,” said Senator Norcross. “Our laws have to reflect this fact.”
The committee amended the bill to exempt any county which has a law in place that prohibits the sale of items on Sundays, in order to exclude Bergen County, where Blue Laws prohibit the Sunday sale of most non-essential items. The measure would not affect the state’s Sunday ban on automobile sales.
The bill now heads to the full Senate.
