Sunday Closing Laws Weaponized Against Tacoma Fruit Stands

Tacoma grocers have declared war against the fruit stands. At the meeting of the Retail Grocers' Association last night, it was decided that the fruit stands were poaching on the grocers' preserves by handling canned goods, etc., and the grocers say they are going to stop it. This will be done by enforcing the Sunday closing law and causing the arrest of fruit dealers who keep their stores open on Sunday. Secretary Beutlich of the Grocers' Association says: 'Some people will want to know if we are going to shut up the saloons, too. No, we are not. We shall take action only against those who are encroaching on the grocery business. These fruit stands have been springing up all over, and many of them are handling canned goods, sugar, etc., on Sunday. They are cutting prices, too. After due notice is given, every fruit dealer who handles any kind of groceries will be arrested if he does business on Sunday.' A special meeting of the association has been called for next Thursday evening. The fruit dealers are invited to be present to talk the matter over.