A kid was reported to the AL Labor Dept for running a lemonade stand.

Eight-year-old Cam Johnson and his mother Cristal have recently been thrust into the spotlight due to their innocent lemonade stand. The stand was advertised on Cristal's Facebook post, which sought to hire two children as “greeters” and “smilers” for a one-day apprenticeship. The children were asked to submit “resumes” and would earn $20 apiece.

Unfortunately, the post earned the pair a call from the Alabama Labor Department informing them that someone had reported them for a child labor law violation. Cristal explained her motivations for the post during a segment on Fox and Friends: “I was trying to teach them exactly what I’m trying to teach my son, just how to handle money, customer service skills, how to shake hands correctly. That’s all I was trying to accomplish.”

Although there was no ill will behind the post, Cristal and Cam Johnson have become a prime example of the current attempt to roll back child labor laws. The Foundation for Government Accountability, a Florida-based ultra-conservative think tank, is leading a campaign to do just this. A precedent has already been set in Iowa, allowing 14 and 15-year-old children to work night shifts on assembly lines and Arkansas has eliminated work permits and age verification for children under 16. If this movement is allowed to spread, it will weaken the protections of workers across the country.

Fortunately, the anonymous complaint levied against the Johnson's has had the opposite effect of what was likely intended. The pair have since received nationwide attention and support, and Cam’s Lemonade will now be available for purchase in Piggly Wiggly stores across two counties in Alabama. The Alabama Labor Department has clarified that Cam’s mother is free to employ her child in her lemonade business, but no other children under the age of 14.

It all started with Cam wanting to go to Disney World and his mother trying to teach him about money and the value of hard work. The lemonade stand has now become a symbol of hard work and resilience, and a reminder of the importance of protecting children from being exploited in dangerous work environments.

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