State Rep. Cam Cavitt this week introduced a plan that would protect the rights of children seeking to run lemonade stands across Michigan.  

“This puts a sour taste in my mouth,” said Cavitt (R-Cheboygan). “The issue was brought to my attention by children in my community. They had a lemonade stand, and they were told by our local health department that they could no longer operate unless they paid a $57 license fee biweekly. These kids reached out to me asking for legislative change. After working with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, we’ve found a solution. These changes would put in place a standardized exemption for lemonade stands so our kids can serve lemonade without fear of getting the squeeze from the health department.” 

House Bill 6007 would eliminate restrictions on running a lemonade stand if it is operated by a minor and generates less than $5,000 in yearly revenue. Currently, state exemptions and regulations regarding lemonade stands differ wildly, and some health departments don’t allow them without a license fee. 

In doing research for this bill, Cavitt discovered other existing failures in the law, including the fact that Michigan car dealerships technically cannot serve coffee without a food license. This was also fixed in the legislation.  

The bill will be referred to committee for further review.