During the summer break when school is out and temperatures rise, kids often set up lemonade stands to pass the time and possibly earn some extra money. Many may wonder if a food permit is needed to operate a lemonade stand for the public.
While the requirements may vary by county, in the state of Missouri, it is generally not necessary to obtain a food permit to run a lemonade stand.
In the City of St. Louis, a “Specialty Food Temporary Permit” may be required if selling lemonade at a public event, along with other lower-risk foods such as popcorn, snow cones, and shaved ice.
Missouri, along with Illinois, is one of only 14 states in the U.S. where lemonade stands can operate without needing a food permit.
If the lemonade stand generates a profit, it’s important to consider the tax implications. Taxes can be filed either individually or included on an adult’s tax return.
