By David Madden

CAMDEN, Nj (CBS) — Camden’s controversial business curfew law — on the books for more than a year — will start being enforced in mid-September.

Come September 17th, any business within 200 feet of a residential area will have to close at 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, midnight Friday and Saturday.

The exceptions: gas stations, pharmacies and bars. Police staffing issues and a lawsuit held up the new regulation, according to Mayor Dana Redd.

“Many of the business leaders have expressed that they would cooperate along with us in this business ordinance,” Redd says. “For those that do not cooperate, they will be given a citation.”

A hearing on the suit is scheduled for October, although plaintiffs could seek a temporary restraining order.

Redd insists this is a matter of public safety.

“They close the Cherry Hill Mall,” she says. “Why can Camden not regulate the hours of operation in the city of Camden?”