An amended municipal law in the city of Garfield, New Jersey has prompted a Wawa lawsuit over how it does business in the town, writes Rebecca Heath for NJ Advance Media for NJ.com, as reported in silive.com.
Garfield has a law that prevents Wawa from operating 24 hours a day.
Wawa opened in Garfield in 2015. It’s arguing in the suit that its “business and goodwill will be irreparably harmed” if it can’t be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Enforcement of the ordinance has been temporarily blocked with a June 8 restraining order.
The mayor and council have authorized Garfield’s attorney to appeal the injunction and litigate Wawa’s lawsuit.
“The city remains steadfast in its commitment to enforce its ordinances and to protect the quality of life of its residents,” said Garfield Mayor Everett Garnto in a statement.
The 1972 ordinance in question became an issue for Wawa when the City Council amended it in May, barring retail businesses from being open between 10 PM and 6 AM.
Previously, the ordinance exempted convenience stores from that requirement if they were more than 200 feet from a residence.
Find out more details about the lawsuit and the ordinance in silive.com.
