Children who operate lemonade or hot dog stands would be protected from petty calls to the police under a bill currently moving through the Senate. The legislation, authored by Sen. Roger Chamberlain (R-Lino Lakes), would allow any child under 14 to operate a lemonade stand, hot dog stand, or other temporary stand without a permit.
Last year, a 13-year-old boy in Minneapolis nearly had his hot dog stand shut down when the health department received a complaint that he was selling without a permit. Rather than shut his stand down, the police paid for his permit. Similar incidents involving police have happened in Colorado, Missouri, Georgia, Texas, and California.
“Let’s let kids be kids,” said Sen. Chamberlain. “Operating a lemonade stand is one of the most wholesome activities an enterprising child can participate in. Police would prefer to be happy customers of these inspiring kids, rather than being forced to crush their entrepreneurial spirit. We talk about common sense ideas a lot around the capitol, but there has probably never been a more appropriate use of the phrase.”
Under the bill, children may operate a lemonade stand, hot dog stand, or sell other goods without a permit if they meet the following requirements:
- The stand must be temporary
- The stand must be operated by child under age 14
- The stand must be located on private property and with permission of the property owner
- The stand’s gross receipts must be less than $1,000
- If selling potentially hazardous food, the operator must post a sign that says “products sold at this stand are not subject to state inspection or regulation.”
The bill was heard in the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on January 24, where it passed on a unanimous voice vote. It awaits action on the Senate floor.
Kid-entrepreneurs in attendance
David Hayner, age 14
Lia Hayner, age 12
Maggie Hayner, age 10
Josie Hayner, age 8
Kendyl Trucano, age 9
Kora Trucano, age 8
Janie Becker, age 9
Truett Dollins, age 10
Macy Dollins, age 8
Michael Kysylyczyn, age 13
Samantha Thorson, age 11
Luke Thorson, age 9
Watch the press conference
Photos from the event
