Making the Lemonade Stand Legal

In the heat of summer, there’s nothing more refreshing than a cup of fresh lemonade. Since school is out and kids are looking for ways to make money, it’s not uncommon to spot a kids lemonade stand on the corner of a community. While most people aren’t offering lemonade to customers in order to make a large amount of money, there are certain legalities behind running this type of stand.

Here’s what you need to know about how to get a lemonade stand permit, to include a California seller’s permit so that you’re legally covered to make and sell lemonade for customers.

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Lemonade Stand Shut-Downs Happen

Even though a lemonade stand is as innocent as it comes, legal problems have caused many lemonade stands to be shut down. In fact, in the last few weeks, lemonade stands have been shut down in Boston, Providence, and Minneapolis. While there are many reasons why a lemonade stand shut-down may occur, the most common culprit is the lack of proper permits.

If you’re operating out of California, there are several permits that are applicable to a lemonade stand. First, vendor and food permits are required from the U.S. Department of Health. These permits are required for businesses that are selling homemade goods. With these permits, you can ensure that the lemonade is being safely handled to prevent foodborne illness.

Another must-have permit is a business permit. If your lemonade stand operates on a daily basis, you’re legally conducting business by selling goods, which means that you must apply for a business permit. While getting permits will cost money out of pocket, it’s much safer to get lemonade stand permits than pay hundreds of dollars in fines.

Other Legal Requirements

Aside from permits, there are other legal requirements that you must take into consideration. Some states and localities have local ordinances that set rules on where a lemonade stand can be placed. Some towns consider selling lemonade to be peddling, in which selling items cannot be conducted on certain pieces of property.

You must also consider zoning and traffic legalities. For example, a lemonade stand cannot be placed in an area where it blocks traffic, causes congestion, or obstructs a public sidewalk. This poses safety concerns and can result in a fine and the shutting down of the stand.

Ensure Your Lemonade Stand is 100% Legal

When your entrepreneur spirit kicks into high gear and you want to provide a service to the community, be sure that you’re covered with the right permits and other legalities. While you may just want to get out there and sell lemonade, it’s important to obtain the required permits so that you have peace of mind.

At FastFilings, entrepreneurs can quickly apply for a sales permit. With just a few clicks, your application can be sent in for review. In the meantime, you can work on perfecting your recipe before you introduce it to the public eye and palate.

Interested in quickly filing for a business permit? Contact us or visit our website to learn more about our service.

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