Judge: Camden Business Curfew Can Remain

Businesses and restaurants in Camden must still abide by the city's curfew, even though the court fight over the measure is ongoing.

The (Cherry Hill) Courier-Post reports state Superior Court Judge Faustino Fernandez-Vina, who upheld the law in April, recently declined to put the curfew on hold.

The curfew mandates that businesses within 200 feet of residential zones must close by 11 p.m. on weeknights and midnight on weekends. Exempt businesses include gas stations, pharmacies and establishments that serve or sell alcohol.

The city says the curfew helps reduce crime by having fewer people outside their homes at late hours and provides residents with "peace and quiet after hours."

But critics say the curfew hurts the earnings potential of businesses and their workers.

(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)