Paramus has a quality of life ordinance that fines businesses $200 or more, plus $33 in court costs, if their signs don't go dark after 11 p.m.
Mayor Richard LaBarbiera tells The Record newspaper (http://bit.ly/YHT4DE ) the town isn't trying to torture business owners. But the mayor says many residents live adjacent to the stores and the lights disturb them.
Business owner said D.J. Billard said he had no idea his sign was on until after he got fined. He says merchants should be allowed to pay the fine online or by mail instead of having to spend hours waiting in court.
All stores must close by 11 p.m. in Paramus.
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