Is your child an entrepreneur?  Do they have a lemonade stand?  If you live in Portland, OR they could be shut down.  This 7-year old little girl was shut down by a Health Inspector.  They stated that she needed a restaurant license to operate, lol.  What is happening to this country?   We strive to teach our children morals, values, and a sense of self-worth only to have idiots like this steal their joy.

Here’s the story.  This adorable little girl saw an episode on Nick Jr. of Olivia the pig operating a lemonade stand.  She decided that she would like to have a lemonade stand as well to earn a little extra money.  Now with the economy the way it is somebody needs work, and if a 7 year old is the one lucky enough to be able to bring in a little income so be it.  Her mother decided to help make her dream come true.  They made a sign and packed the car with bottled water, Kool Aid, cups, and ice, and secured a spot at the local art fair.   

Much to her surprise, she was shut down by a health inspector.  The violation, she failed to obtain a $120 temporary restaurant license.  Not much surprises me these days, but when I read the article I was in disbelief.  Who in the hell would pay $120 for a license so a child can operate a lemonade stand.  The health department was holding a 7 year old to the same standards as a commerical business.

The inspector informed the mother that she could face a $500 fine if she continued to operate, so she packed up everything and tried to explain to her daughter that the people were just doing their job.  Now I’m all for sanitary conditions, but the mother and daughter were using bottled water, packs of Kool Aid, a scoop for the ice and hand sanitizer. How harmful can that be?

Other vendors who were nearby decided to come to the little girl’s aid and take measures against such a ridiculous law.  They spread the word using every avenue and venue available to protest the decision.  The Health Department eventually apologized to the mother and daughter stating they made a mistake.  They stated that the law should not apply to lemonade stands, and the inspectors should use professional knowledge to decide when a business should be shut down.  What has happened to people’s hearts in this country?

I hope this little girl wasn’t discouraged by the incident and will try her hand again at being an entrepreneur.  I love the cartoon Olivia on Nick Jr.  She’s adventurous and her messages are to teach our young ones to try new things.  Isn’t that what we want them to do.  How do we prepare them for the real world if we don’t provide opportunities to experience and try new things.  Most children are tied to the computer and the TV for hours, but this little girl wanted to get out and sell lemonade to make a few dollars.  If anything she should have been seen as an example.  

The funniest thing about the incident is the health inspector stated his children sell lemonade.  I wonder if he spent a $120 on a permit for them.    

Maybe Nick Jr. will create an episode on Olivia about idiot health inspectors.  Their lesson have a heart, you can’t learn everything from a book.