Government Orders Shorter Hours for Shops to Save Energy, Dec. 2, 1919

From The Monroe Journal, Tuesday, December 2, 1919. Coal was in short supply because miners were on strike.

Monroe Dry Goods Stores to Close at 6 p.m., While No Store Can Open Before 9 a.m.—Fuel Order

In compliance with orders issued by the Federal government with a view of conserving fuel, Monroe dry goods stores will close, beginning today, at 4 p.m., until the order is recalled. Grocery stores are required to close at 6 p.m., and no merchant is allowed to open his place of business before 9 a.m. Drug stores may remain open after 4 o’clock for the sale of medicine, but they cannot dispense drinks, tobacco, and sundries after that hour.

The order applies to all stores regardless of whether or not they use fuel of any kind. Stores in the rural districts ae affected as well as the city stores. The duration of the order is problematical, but some local merchants believe the 4 o’clock closing hour will continue through the holidays.

The following interpretation of the closing hours was issued last night in Atlanta:

“The regulations apply alike to industries, stores and business houses actually burning coal, oil or other fuel in their plants and to those using electric power, whether hydro-electric or steam. The question was given most serious consideration. The decision was based both upon the well known fact that most of the hydro-electric utilities consume a certain amount of coal varying with the amount of water-power available and upon the conviction that to make any exception would involve indefensible discrimination and endanger the whole plan of conservation, the execution of which is imperative for the safety of the country. In this connection it may be stated that hydro-electric power now is being diverted in direction of the committee, from various points of production to distant communities where users are largely dependent upon steam-produced electricity, therefore, power saved by the restriction at points of production is saving coal elsewhere.

“The committee was convinced of the necessity for extending the hours of grocery and meat stores and milk depots and a modification of the regulations was issued permitting such places of business to remain open until 6 p.m. daily except Saturday, when their closing hour is 9 p.m.

“Many merchants and others urged that they be allowed to open before 9 a.m. and close later than 4 p.m. on condition that they use no light or heat or used candles or kerosene lamps. No exception of this kind can be made. Any exception would result in discrimination and tend to (word obscured), efforts to enforce regulations.

“Cigar and tobacco stands in hotels, restaurants and office buildings, railroad stations and other public places, will be required to observe the hours fixed for mercantile establishments generally, except that such stands may be open for the sale of newspapers and periodicals without restriction.

“Fruit stands and confectioners will be required to observe the same hours as other stores. Where sandwiches or food is served at such stands or at soft drink or cigar and tobacco departments may open before 9 a.m. and close after 4 p.m. solely for the purpose of serving food. NO drink (except coffee, tea or milk), tobacco or other things except food shall be sold at such places except between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.)