Lansing — Concerns Over Lemonade Stand Regulations
State Representative Cam Cavitt, from Cheboygan, is speaking out against District Health Department No. 4 (DHD4) in Northeast Michigan. He claims the health department is making it hard for kids operating lemonade stands at a farmers market in Rogers City by requiring them to pay for permits.
Chelsea Engle, the health administrative officer at DHD4, clarified that no citations were issued to the children; instead, they needed to get a temporary food service permit, which costs $57 every two weeks. She mentioned that it’s unclear whether the children fulfilled this requirement.
Cavitt learned about this situation and expressed his disappointment, noting that the kids, who are homeschooled, have been part of the market for several years on private property before it moved to a public park. He feels the requirement to sell pre-packaged lemonade to avoid fees undermines the essence of their lemonade stand.
His frustration isn’t just about the lemonade stands; he’s also concerned about how the health department has been managing its financial issues, which have worsened over the summer. The former administrative health officer revealed that the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services took back $700,000 from DHD4, totaling $1.2 million that the department has lost.
Cavitt remarked, “The struggling health department seems to be shifting its financial burden onto children. It’s absurd to penalize kids for running lemonade stands, a cherished summertime activity.” He urged the department to focus on more important matters and not “bully” young entrepreneurs.
He emphasized that children should be encouraged to learn business skills and that the costs of permits should not be placed on them. Cavitt believes summer lemonade stands are a beloved tradition that should be preserved.
Engle responded, explaining that the food safety program requires vendors, even children’s stands, to follow health laws. This includes getting a permit, which ensures food safety practices are maintained.
She reassured that no citations were given and encouraged organizations planning events with food to consult with the health department to see what permits might be needed.
Engle also noted that if vendors plan to operate for longer periods, there may be alternative permits that could lower costs.
Overall, while the health department aims to ensure public safety, the debate continues over how these rules affect young entrepreneurs in the community.
For any queries about starting food service ventures, Engle stated that the department is readily available to assist.
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