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HARRISBURG — State Rep. Gerald Mullery wants to free a childhood tradition embraced recently by a Plymouth boy from government red tape.

A bipartisan bill introduced by Mullery, D-Newport Township, would end the regulation of child-run lemonade stands on private property.

Mullery said H.B. 1744 would make it easier for kids like Brian Lyons, a 10-year-old who is fundraising to support his local fire company, raise money to help their communities.

The bill would end what Mullery considers government overreach by stopping permit requirements for lemonade stands run by children younger than 18 on private property.

“Lemonade stands are an American summertime tradition,” Mullery said. “Many adults grew up selling lemonade at their own stands in their neighborhoods, and now their kids cannot enjoy the excitement of selling cold drinks on hot, summer days.”

Currently, children in Pennsylvania are prohibited from setting up and operating a lemonade stand in their front yard without obtaining a permit to do so from a municipality, township, or county in which they live.

“Our children should be encouraged to run lemonade stands,” Mullery said. “They can learn the value of earning money and an understanding of business principles, instead of having red tape interfering with youthful entrepreneurs.”

Brian’s efforts

Lyons has been trying to raise money to help Elm Hill Hose Company No. 3 purchase a critical piece of rescue equipment used to cut open damaged vehicles.

Fire Chief Brian Oppelt recently he spoke to Genesis Fire Equipment in Pittsburgh and learned the Combi-Tool/Jaws of Life that Brian has been raising funds for can be purchased at the discounted price of $9,514.

The 16th annual Plymouth Kielbasa Festival will be held Friday and Saturday in downtown Plymouth. Brian will set up his table to sell lemonade right in the middle of town.

Brian has been named the Grand Marshall of the Kielbasa Festival’s annual parade — this year’s theme is The Wall That Heals, which will be displayed in Plymouth Sept. 5-8. It’s the first time the parade has named a Grand Marshal.

Uren said Brian has raised about $2,400 so far and he is confident he will reach the goal of $9,514. She said lemonade will be $1 per 8 ounce cup at the festival.

Uren said Brian held a car wash Sunday at the Elm Hill Hose Co, No. 3, raising about $400 toward the purchase of the rescue tool for the fire company where Brian has been given the title of Junior Fire Chief.

Uren said every dollar Brian raises is donated to the fire company.

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By Bill O’Boyle

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Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle