July fun fact: Vermont, California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, North Dakota, Nebraska, Texas, Missouri, Louisiana, Illinois, New York, Rhode Island and Connecticut are the only states that allow children to sell lemonade without permits.

Vermonters along the border with New Hampshire take note, our state lemonade stand regulations are not restricting this style of entrepreneurship. Live Free or Die indeed.

Lemonade stands run by children are technically illegal in 34 states, usually due to violation of health codes, child labor regulations or laws that require businesses to obtain permits. The laws don’t directly target lemonade stands, and in some cases are enforced somewhat loosely, usually prompted by a complaint. But the result, from Maryland to Oregon, is the same: officials, usually police, telling children to take down their stands.

And in a clear case of corporate self interest Kraft Foods brand Country Time Lemonade mix * has organized a campaign to challenge state restrictions. The company encourages parents to apply for a reimbursement and include an image of the child’s permit or fine along with a description of what the lemonade stand means to their child. The company will review submissions and will cover permits or fines up to $300 that comply with the terms.

*Ingredients: Sugar, Fructose, Citric Acid, Contains Less than 2% of Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Natural Flavor, Soy Lecithin, Maltodextrin, Sodium Acid Pyrophosphate, Sodium Citrate, Magnesium Oxide, Calcium Fumarate, Artificial Color, Yellow 5 Lake, Tocopherol (Preserves Freshness).

Country Time Lemonade mix: Looks like it’s got everything but the lemons!