Ohio Festival Shuts Down 8-Year-Old Girl’s Lemonade Stand
Neighborhood kids selling lemonade from their stand during the summer is a classic American pastime.
However, this little girl had to shut her stand down due to an uncommon situation, and people are talking about it.
Asa's Lemonade Business
Eight-year-old Asa Baker was selling lemonade at her stand in the alley beside her father's work, hydrating passers-by with her delicious lemonade.
Until one day, a police officer came up to her.
Rib And Food Festival
Asa was selling lemonade like any other day; however, this day, in particular, was during the Alliance, Ohio Rib and Food festival.
And Asa and her family were surprised when the police officer approached.
A Police Officer Who Did Not Want To Do His Job
The officer didn't want to do it and was upset that he had to. But, due to city by-laws, he had to ask Asa to shut down her lemonade stand.
However, he offered Asa $20 for a lemonade.
Asa's Mom Understands It Was The Officer's Job
Asa's mom said, "I could definitely tell he did not want to shut her down, but, I mean, you get a call; he has to do it."
"He definitely did the right thing...in the situation he was put in."
Rib Festival Organizers Complained
Lt. Don Wensel said that the complaint came from the festival organizers.
And they were just as conflicted about complaining as the officer was conflicted about making an 8-year-old shut down her lemonade stand.
A Circumstantial Situation
The Lieutenant cleared the air and said the police were not putting efforts into closing lemonade stands run by kids.
The issue was very circumstantial and not one they typically face.
Asa Needed A License
The issue was that Asa needed to have a license before selling her lemonade to the public.
Since a food vendor permit was temporary and expensive, Asa needed either a street permit or a solicitors permit.
Local Business Owner's Support
Asa and her family got a solicitors permit with the help of Eric Strata, a local business owner.
And now, Asa sells lemonade in front of his store, Black Sales Liquidation.
Eric Felt It Was Unjust
Eric wasn't familiar with Asa, but had seen the story on Facebook and knew he had to help,
"...It just felt so unjust to me because she's 8; she just wants to be motivated. Why shut that down?"
Asa's Back In Business!
Luckily for Asa, many people have heard her story and stopped by her stall to support her.
And since her family figured out the licensing issue, the poice have said they will not interfere.
