• This is a political forum that is non-biased/non-partisan and treats every person's position on topics equally. This debate forum is not aligned to any political party. In today's politics, many ideas are split between and even within all the political parties. Often we find ourselves agreeing on one platform but some topics break our mold. We are here to discuss them in a civil political debate. If this is your first visit to our political forums, be sure to check out the RULES. Registering for debate politics is necessary before posting. Register today to participate - it's free!

Should unapproved lemonade stands be illegal?

Should unapproved lemonade stands be illegal?

  • Yes, the law is the law... string 'em up!

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • No, quit being so anal.

    Votes: 35 87.5%
  • This one's a toughie. I can't decide.

    Votes: 1 2.5%
  • Other.

    Votes: 4 10.0%

  • Total voters
    40

radcen

Phonetic Mnemonic ©
DP Veteran
Joined
Sep 3, 2011
Messages
34,817
Reaction score
18,576
Location
Look to your right... I'm that guy.
Gender
Undisclosed
Political Leaning
Centrist
Should unapproved lemonade stands be illegal? Or, is this a prime example of bureaucrats and government going beyond their legitimate bounds?

Every so often, almost like clockwork, there will be a news story about a kids lemonade stand being shut down because they don't have proper permits, health inspections, or whatever. A good example this the recent John Stossel report linked in this thread.

Personally, I am torn. On the one hand... it's kids trying to make some money... and doing something both educational and constructive in the process. Especially when the business license/permit thing comes in. Give it a break and leave the kids alone. I'm a believer that the intent of the law is more important than the letter of the law (in most instances), and I don't see any harm being done here. Not to local businesses, not to anybody. The government and other strict law-and-order types will lose me every time if they try and argue this point.

Where the other hand comes in is the health angle. Part of me again wants to say "they're just kids", but I am also old enough to remember what is a more relatively innocent time when the vast majority of kids wouldn't dick with other people by putting something unhealthy in the lemonade they're selling. Just for their own 'fun'. Granted, most kids still wouldn't, but in today's society I think some would.

What say you?
 
I don't see any reason for the govt. to go after little kids trying to run a lemonade stand. When I was a kid most of the people who bought the lemonade didn't even drink it! It was just a cute neighborhood thing kids did.
 
This is just one more thing that really gets to me about the differences between 20-30 years ago and today. It's a lemonade stand! I am sure that "in the good old days" there were a few kids who spit or did something else to the lemonade, but why does anybody think they woulod be more likely to do it today?

Then there is the BS information about "Stranger Danger", I never wore a bicycle helmet or a ski helmet (though these are probably a good idea).

Maybe all the bad things kids do are now coming to light because there are more studies done to address psychological and sociological issues. I watched violent TV -- what was Batman? There are so many things that we could delve into with this. People complain about music, look at lullaby's "The cradle will rock, baby will fall..." that is kind of sick yeah? But we teach young kids to sing it when they are around babies. Up until I was 12 I was allowed to run around the yard in the sprinkler without a bikini top on. Today that would be abuse or some form of exploitation. That is what I wanted to do, so why not? I would still like to dance in the rain naked, but I would probably be arrested or sent to the loony bin (yes, I am a goddamn dirty hippie).

I say let the kids have their lemonade stands, let them mow the lawn, let them shovel the snow and don't worry about them filing taxes, planting marijuana in your garden or spitting in your lemonade, even if they did you will probably live anyway.
 
Should unapproved lemonade stands be illegal? Or, is this a prime example of bureaucrats and government going beyond their legitimate bounds?

Every so often, almost like clockwork, there will be a news story about a kids lemonade stand being shut down because they don't have proper permits, health inspections, or whatever. A good example this the recent John Stossel report linked in this thread.

Personally, I am torn. On the one hand... it's kids trying to make some money... and doing something both educational and constructive in the process. Especially when the business license/permit thing comes in. Give it a break and leave the kids alone. I'm a believer that the intent of the law is more important than the letter of the law (in most instances), and I don't see any harm being done here. Not to local businesses, not to anybody. The government and other strict law-and-order types will lose me every time if they try and argue this point.

Where the other hand comes in is the health angle. Part of me again wants to say "they're just kids", but I am also old enough to remember what is a more relatively innocent time when the vast majority of kids wouldn't dick with other people by putting something unhealthy in the lemonade they're selling. Just for their own 'fun'. Granted, most kids still wouldn't, but in today's society I think some would.

What say you?

An article I read recently, stated quite clearly and plainly.

Because of society growing and becoming more complicated, it should be paramount that laws become simpler and less cumbersome in the nuances. Case and point; Assault. We all know that in our civilized society that if you attack someone regardless of cause; you are guilty of assault.

Why is it that many cities, counties and states and possibly even the federal level there are numerous classifications and levels of assault? Why do we need special consideration if the individual was police officer, it doesn’t matter. On duty, off duty, in or out of uniform; it does not change the fact that the individual was assaulted. Period. Even if the person was from one group and attacked someone of a different group.

What needs to happen is that the law for assault needs to be stated similar to this;
A person guilty of assault may be imprisoned for up to 10 years and or fined up to $50,000. Then we use historical instances of prior assault cases to determine approximate punishment and the judge adjusts as necessary to the specific case at hand.

The whole concept of Hate Crime; Three strikes, use of deadly weapon and other “special” circumstances should be proven in the court and used to determine the final sentence. Not 5 charges of different infractions that are all due to the same event.

If laws are simple people will understand them better, and others can insure they are upheld. Instead of trying to put cameras on every corner and a cop in every public place, because let’s face it. It’s too expensive to hire police officers alone to enforce the law. They already have plenty to do.

As for the lemonade thing, to much. Too anal, we need to cut these inspectors down in number if this is what they are freaking out about.
 
Last edited:
I doubt that there are roving bands of police cars on the lookout for illegal lemonade stands. My guess is that neighbors are calling in complaints to cops. If the cops get a call, they are required to investigate, and, finding illegal activity, no matter how innocuous, have to shut it down.

The problem is with the busy body neighbors that can't live and let live.
 
Should unapproved lemonade stands be illegal? Or, is this a prime example of bureaucrats and government going beyond their legitimate bounds?

Every so often, almost like clockwork, there will be a news story about a kids lemonade stand being shut down because they don't have proper permits, health inspections, or whatever. A good example this the recent John Stossel report linked in this thread.

Personally, I am torn. On the one hand... it's kids trying to make some money... and doing something both educational and constructive in the process. Especially when the business license/permit thing comes in. Give it a break and leave the kids alone. I'm a believer that the intent of the law is more important than the letter of the law (in most instances), and I don't see any harm being done here. Not to local businesses, not to anybody. The government and other strict law-and-order types will lose me every time if they try and argue this point.

Where the other hand comes in is the health angle. Part of me again wants to say "they're just kids", but I am also old enough to remember what is a more relatively innocent time when the vast majority of kids wouldn't dick with other people by putting something unhealthy in the lemonade they're selling. Just for their own 'fun'. Granted, most kids still wouldn't, but in today's society I think some would.

What say you?

There's a difference between a "kid's lemonade stand" and a food truck selling drinks. I don't think I have to explain, either. Hopefully, we all get that.

Further, if anyone is naive enough to think that fully licensed restaurants, food trucks, catering services don't dick with customers' food sometimes, they need to watch some candid videos.

Leave the kids alone!!!! It makes your town look stoopid!!!!
 
I doubt that there are roving bands of police cars on the lookout for illegal lemonade stands.

"Dispatch, this is unit Charlie 47, we have a confirmed 6-19, I repeat a confirmed 6-19. Be advised we are on location at 53 Maple Street, suspects are approximately 10 years old. Suspect 1 is blonde with pigtails. Suspect two is wearing a t-shirt that says "I love my momma". We will be dismantling the stand. Charlie 47 out."
 
"Dispatch, this is unit Charlie 47, we have a confirmed 6-19, I repeat a confirmed 6-19. Be advised we are on location at 53 Maple Street, suspects are approximately 10 years old. Suspect 1 is blonde with pigtails. Suspect two is wearing a t-shirt that says "I love my momma". We will be dismantling the stand. Charlie 47 out."

Book-em Dan-o
 
"Dispatch, this is unit Charlie 47, we have a confirmed 6-19, I repeat a confirmed 6-19. Be advised we are on location at 53 Maple Street, suspects are approximately 10 years old. Suspect 1 is blonde with pigtails. Suspect two is wearing a t-shirt that says "I love my momma". We will be dismantling the stand. Charlie 47 out."

UPDATE FROM FOX NEWS: Two officers were put on administrative leave after their attempt to dismantle a child's lemonade stand resulted in two six-year-olds being tazed. Details at 11.
 
I think it kind of depends. If it's just some kid selling lemonade in their front yard or whatever, leave them alone. If it's an organization that is selling it or they're set up somewhere in public where they're getting a lot more traffic, or it's some kind of fundraiser or something, then maybe they should get a permit.
 
small kids selling infront of their house? leave em' alone.

high school students with a larger operation on public property? they need a permit.

remember, these permits aren't just to harrass folks..they are also to protect the health of the folks who drink the lemonade.
 
small kids selling infront of their house? leave em' alone.

high school students with a larger operation on public property? they need a permit.

remember, these permits aren't just to harrass folks..they are also to protect the health of the folks who drink the lemonade.

'Splain to me how paying $50 for a permit makes lemonade safer. I'll wait.
 
It would make me want to buy lower quality water to save on the per serving cost of the lemonade.

"Getcha water here! Water for sale!"

"What prices are you asking for your water?"

"Well this water here is high grade stuff, you'll pay top price for that, but this water is cheaper."

"How come?"

"Well, somebody tinkled in it."

"How much tinkle?"

"You'll hardly notice."

"Hm..."
 
Hmm...thought the government would have better things to do.
 
Should unapproved lemonade stands be illegal? Or, is this a prime example of bureaucrats and government going beyond their legitimate bounds?

Every so often, almost like clockwork, there will be a news story about a kids lemonade stand being shut down because they don't have proper permits, health inspections, or whatever. A good example this the recent John Stossel report linked in this thread.

Personally, I am torn. On the one hand... it's kids trying to make some money... and doing something both educational and constructive in the process. Especially when the business license/permit thing comes in. Give it a break and leave the kids alone. I'm a believer that the intent of the law is more important than the letter of the law (in most instances), and I don't see any harm being done here. Not to local businesses, not to anybody. The government and other strict law-and-order types will lose me every time if they try and argue this point.

Where the other hand comes in is the health angle. Part of me again wants to say "they're just kids", but I am also old enough to remember what is a more relatively innocent time when the vast majority of kids wouldn't dick with other people by putting something unhealthy in the lemonade they're selling. Just for their own 'fun'. Granted, most kids still wouldn't, but in today's society I think some would.

What say you?

Small kids selling in front of their house? Leave them alone.

Adults selling from a store? Leave them alone.

Someone sells tainted, spoiled, poisoned lemonade, bust them and fine and/or jail them. (Followed of course by the civil suits)

A permit is irrelevant and unnecessary to protect anyone.
 
Hmm...thought the government would have better things to do.

...it seems, you thought wrong....

There is nothing more dangerous to the liberties of our citizens than a politician with free time.
 
There's always money in the Banana Stand.
 
Should unapproved lemonade stands be illegal? Or, is this a prime example of bureaucrats and government going beyond their legitimate bounds?

Every so often, almost like clockwork, there will be a news story about a kids lemonade stand being shut down because they don't have proper permits, health inspections, or whatever. A good example this the recent John Stossel report linked in this thread.

Personally, I am torn. On the one hand... it's kids trying to make some money... and doing something both educational and constructive in the process. Especially when the business license/permit thing comes in. Give it a break and leave the kids alone. I'm a believer that the intent of the law is more important than the letter of the law (in most instances), and I don't see any harm being done here. Not to local businesses, not to anybody. The government and other strict law-and-order types will lose me every time if they try and argue this point.

Where the other hand comes in is the health angle. Part of me again wants to say "they're just kids", but I am also old enough to remember what is a more relatively innocent time when the vast majority of kids wouldn't dick with other people by putting something unhealthy in the lemonade they're selling. Just for their own 'fun'. Granted, most kids still wouldn't, but in today's society I think some would.

What say you?

I posted "Other."

Just make a website that shows a video of basic food safety practices. Have it so that, at random intervals, people will have to click on the site to ensure they don't play it and then leave. Then, at the end of the video, have the person enter their e-mail address. They'll get an e-mail back saying they're certified in that they watched the video and they are aware of all that's expected of them.

And then if anything bad happens to the customers they can sue them and their parents for everything they're worth.
 
I don't see any reason for the govt. to go after little kids trying to run a lemonade stand. When I was a kid most of the people who bought the lemonade didn't even drink it! It was just a cute neighborhood thing kids did.

kids who operate lemonade stands and the like have been demonstrated to be taking the lion share of income distributed to 7-10 year olds in America. we need to tax and regulate them in order to ensure fairness to the other children.
 
'Splain to me how paying $50 for a permit makes lemonade safer. I'll wait.

It's called a deterrent. People are far more likely to take necessary health precautions when they have established that they are legally allowed to do something. This is why you don't find rat tails in your meat.
 
for the record I think taking this to lemonade stands is a bit much.



OTOH isn't a lemonade stand used as a teaching tool to teach kiddos commerce and business?
 
In a perfect world, we would have no need for rules and regulations.
Do we have a perfect world ?

NOT EVEN CLOSE !
But . children must be trusted, must be allowed to mature...with some innocence.
They should NOT be subject to man's rules and regulations as far as their lemonade stand goes., IMO.... Children must be allowed to be children....with some limitations, of course..
If the state has nothing better to do than harass the child trying to operate a lemonade stand, its then obvious to me than the state must do away with the harrasser....fire him !...or transfer him to a place where he can do some good..
"Good" is the key word...
 
all we need is one time, some crazy ****ing pyscho to lace his kid's lemonade from the lemonade stand....with arsenic or anti-freeze.

and this whole debate will be over.
 
'Splain to me how paying $50 for a permit makes lemonade safer. I'll wait.

There are men out there with no "common sense", and they would over-enforce any law, no matter who is hurt..
As I say, its a very imperfect world...
Maybe as, a ideal little town or village, the children could obtain a permit for say 5 cents for their stand, and learn out government and business, I think that would be great.....if only a dream....Or, with their parents help, simply call "city hall" for permission and that "city hall" would respectfully relate that no permit is necessary....
The child should learn things every day...but when really young, they should NOT have to know all the nuiances....this is where the parents come into the picture...
 
Back
Top Bottom