Chiaravalloti: Requiring a License or Permit for Child-Run Lemonade Stand (or a Temporary Business) Won’t Stand In NJ

Bill Approved by Assembly Commerce and Economic Development Committee

(TRENTON) –  Prompted by a series of reported incidents of local governments in other states closing down child-run lemonade stands for a lack of a permit — some costly,  legislation Assemblyman Nicholas Chiaravalloti sponsored to make sure this does not happen in New Jersey was recently approved by an Assembly panel.

Chiaravalloti said the incidents, occurring over last summer in both Utah and New York City, of government officials shutting down children’s lemonade stands for not having a license or permit were brought to his attention by his 9 year old son, Joshua, who asked if it could happen in New Jersey.

“Setting up lemonade stands to raise money or even mowing a few neighbors’ lawn to earn a little spending money is how many childhood summers are spent,” said Chiaravalloti (D-Hudson). “Through these activities, children learn they can help a cause, how to save money and seize an opportunity to fuel their entrepreneurial spirit. They’re just kids. Making them pay $100 to $200 in permit costs for a few hours of selling lemonade on hot day is unfair.

The bill (A-4462) would prohibit a municipality from requiring a license or permit to operate a business temporarily for anyone under 18. If enacted, the bill would take effect immediately.

Similarly, New Jersey has a statute which prohibits municipalities from regulating the solicitation of snow shoveling services.

“The reality is that we have dealt with a similar issue when we it came to shoveling snow in the winter and kids going door to door earning a few bucks,” added Chiaravalloti. “As long as it’s occasional and not a full fledge business, then children should not have to get a permit or a license which would only take away from their very minimal earnings.”

The bill was released by the Assembly Commerce and Economic Committee; it will now go to the Assembly Speaker for further consideration.