MO legislator prefiles bill to close stores on Thanksgiving

A legislator with the Missouri House of Representatives has prefiled a bill that would prohibit stores from opening during Thanksgiving. The filing comes after myriad stores and websites, including Wal-Mart Stores Inc., pulled in increased customers on Thanksgiving, ahead of the Black Friday consumer holiday.

The legislation, filed by Rep. Jeff Roorda, D-Barnhart, is dubbed the Thanksgiving Family Protection Act, according to the bill available on the Missouri House website.

The Associated Press reports Roorda contends early Black Friday shopping shouldn't interfere with the plans of Thanksgiving Day workers.

According to the bill, the act wouldn't apply to restaurants or retailers that derive primary revenues from motor fuel or pharmaceutical sales.

The first session for the 97th General Assembly begins Jan. 9.

The bill comes after a banner year for retailers during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday consumer holidays. According to the National Retail Federation, more than 35 million shoppers visited stores and websites on Thanksgiving, up from 29 million last year. Bentonville, Ark.-based Wal-Mart Stores Inc. attracted 35 million shoppers on Thanksgiving, up 20 percent compared to 29 million last year, according to Springfield Business Journal archives.