Pennsylvania § 7361 - Worldly employment or business.
Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 7361 — Worldly employment or business., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 7361. Worldly employment or business.
(a) Offense defined.--A person is guilty of a summary offense if he does or performs any worldly employment or business whatsoever on Sunday (works of necessity, charity and wholesome recreation excepted).
(b) Exception.--Subsection (a) of this section shall not prohibit:
(1) The dressing of victuals in private families, bake-houses, lodginghouses, inns and other houses of entertainment for the use of sojourners, travellers or strangers.
(2) The sale of newspapers.
(3) Watermen from landing their passengers, or ferrymen from carrying over the water travellers.
(4) Work in connection with the rendering of service by a public utility as defined in the Public Utility Law.
(5) Persons removing with their families.
(6) The delivery of milk or the necessaries of life, before nine o'clock antemeridian, nor after five o'clock postmeridian.
(7) The production and performance of drama and civic light opera for an admission charge by nonprofit corporations in cities of the second class, between the hours of two o'clock postmeridian and 12 o'clock midnight.
(8) The conducting, staging, managing, operating, performing or engaging in basketball, ice shows and ice hockey for an admission charge in cities of the first and second class, between the hours of two o'clock postmeridian and 12 o'clock midnight.
(c) Definition.--As used in this section "wholesome recreation" means golf, tennis, boating, swimming, bowling, basketball, picnicking, shooting at inanimate targets and similar healthful or recreational exercises and activities.
(Apr. 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53, eff. 60 days)
1978 Repeal. Act 53 repealed the last sentence of subsec. (a). The repealed provisions have been deleted from the text.
Constitutionality. Section 7361 was declared unconstitutional on October 5, 1978, by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania in Kroger Co. v. O'Hara Township, 481 Pa. 101, 392 A.2d 266 (1978).
References in Text. The Public Utility Law, referred to in subsection (b), was repealed by the act of July 1, 1978 (P.L.598, No.116). The subject matter is now contained in Part I of Title 66 (Public Utilities).
Cross References. Section 7361 is referred to in section 3571 of Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure).
Source: official Pennsylvania text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 7361
What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 7361 cover?
Section 7361 ("Worldly employment or business.") is part of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, the codified statutory law of Pennsylvania. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Pennsylvania § 7361?
A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 7361" (Pennsylvania). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Pennsylvania law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Pennsylvania official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.
How does Pennsylvania § 7361 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania.