ROGERS CITY — State Rep. Cam Cavitt criticized District Health Department No. 4 on Monday after the agency issued citations to children operating a lemonade stand in Rogers City.
The health department demanded the children pay $57 every two weeks throughout the season to operate the stand at a local farmer’s market.
The bi-weekly $57 charge was required in addition to new vendor participation fees already set by the market. Cavitt characterized the enforcement as a form of bullying and noted that the health department is currently facing millions of dollars in debt.
The incident was brought to the attention of Cavitt, who represents Cheboygan. He claimed the health department is attempting to resolve internal financial issues by targeting young residents.
“The failing District four health department is underwater by millions of dollars; instead of fixing their money problems internally, they’re pushing the bill onto school-aged children,” Cavitt said. “Why on earth are we bullying and penalizing kids for the grave crime of having a lemonade stand? Is the state of Michigan so desperate for funding that we have no other option aside from stealing a child’s lunch money? It’s completely unnecessary and District Health Department No. 4 must stop giving out these citations.”
District Health Department No. 4 released this statement to 9&10 News: “Food safety program provides a temporary food service permit to those who qualify, such as a low-risk, for-profit lemonade stand operating at a Farmers Market. Our previous fee schedule included a $57.00 charge for a temporary food service permit for two weeks, if an application was submitted and approval from a food safety staff member was received. In the case of a lemonade stand, the food vendor is provided with a discussion/review of proper hand washing techniques, ways to avoid bare hand contact with food/drink, and discussion of acceptable food, water, or ice sources. Michigan Food Code requires that an individual obtain a food service permit from the local Health Department whenever food will be prepared and served to the public. By choosing to set up a stand at an established event, the entrepreneur is expected to follow food laws and obtain a permit to do so. Michigan Food Code does not provide exemptions based on age.
Please note, there were no citations issued related to a lemonade stand by our department.
If you or your organization is planning an event where food is to be served or prepared for public consumption, please contact the health department nearest you to determine if Michigan law requires a food service license for your individual event. Our local sanitarians are always open to serving our communities and answering any questions they may have about beginning a new food service venture. "
Beyond the financial impact, Cavitt argued that the permit requirements prevent children from gaining practical experience in entrepreneurship. He noted that lemonade stands are a traditional part of summer town gatherings and should not be restricted by government fees.
“We’re supposed to be teaching our children about responsibility, but we’re pricing them out of the opportunities they need to develop real business skills,” Cavitt said. “We need the health department to simply leave them alone. Kids don’t pay taxes and they shouldn’t have to pay for absurd health department permits either.”
Cavitt called for District Health Department No. 4 to immediately stop issuing citations to children and refocus its efforts on other departmental priorities.