The Rest Stop Restaurant Act would force any businesses along the New York State Thruway to stay open every day of the week to accommodate travelers. The Thruway is a system of highways that spans approximately 570 miles across the state of New York. It operates under its own authority, the New York State Thruway Authority.

The new bill would require companies that provide food and beverage services along the Thruway, as well as the Port Authority in New York and New Jersey, to keep their doors open as the government sees fit.

New York state Assemblyman Tony Simone (D) called it “ridiculous” that a business would be able to close its doors of its own accord.

[What’s the matter — are New York legislators disappointed that they can’t attack Masterpiece Cakeshop with the same impunity as Colorado? This is a stupid issue even when limited to the arena of “public accomodation” rules, but this also has religious liberty interests as well. The owners of Chik-Fil-A keep their stores closed on Sundays for religious observance of the Sabbath. If travelers need a bite to eat, there are plenty of other choices — and even if there weren’t, so what? It’s not the state’s job to provide fast food on the Thruway. — Ed]