What is the reasoning behind the 1760 act in Philadelphia that makes it illegal to put pretzels in bags?

Question

Is this law still enforced?

Answer 1

See--now I'm hungry for a Philly soft pretzel. And I'm stuck out here in California with no pretzel in sight.

It was illegal to sell the pretzel 'sight unseen' in bags. The pretzels must be visible and selected before being put into bags, otherwise stale, day-old pretzels can be passed off as nice fresh ones and it could be too late when you find out that they are of bad quality.

Hope that helps; I don't know WHAT to do about my problem!

Answer 2

By to days standards, it does not stand to reason, however then and for some unknown reason, it made sense.

I have never heard, in modern times that this law has been enforced, if it is even still on the books.

Answer 3

Oh yes, most definitely still enforced. I was arrested and held recently on multiple felony counts under state statute 325.1(a). Said statue states that it is illegal for any person to introduce, stuff, place, force, pour or add pretzel content to any bag that is capable of holding 1oz or larger. Ann additional charge was added by the local state attorney that was overlooked by investigators; basically the commission of the above stated felony but with the addition of salt of any kind, ie; sea salt, table salt, salt from the red sea, Dead Sea and from any salt mine foreign or domestic. Being my total salt content totaled over 10 grams and showed a presumptive positive reaction for the presence of salinity the judge threw the book at me ordering me to community service for 8 years upon relapse from state prison after serving one year without eligibility of gain time, or time off for good behavior. Upon release I must also agree to 3 a week meetings for treatment and submit to random urinalysis tests for a probationary period of 6 months.
In 1760 the use of salt, saline or any product with a salinity level over .008 was felonious and compares to the drama we find ourselves involved in today with athletes such as Barry Bonds and the other Olympic athletes. I had to sign paperwork admitting to saline doping and stand before my friends, family and a jury of my peers, admitting guilt and taking responsibility for my actions. That damn beer sure tasted good with those pretzels though.