A NEW STATE LAW TAKING EFFECT JANUARY FIRST WILL ENSURE KIDS CAN PURSUE THE LONG-STANDING TRADITION OF SETTING UP A LEMONADE STAND. 

12-YEAR-OLD HAYLI MARTINEZ OF KANKAKEE INSPIRED THE MEASURE AFTER HER STAND WAS SHUT DOWN BY LOCAL PUBLIC HEALTH OFFICIALS. SHE TESTIFIED BEFORE A SENATE COMMITTEE BACK IN MARCH.

MARTINEZ VISITED SPRINGFIELD IN MARCH TO ADVOCATE FOR THE CHANGE AND AS SENATOR MATTIE HUNTER OF CHICAGO EXPLAINS, CERTAINLY KNEW HOW TO WOO LAWMAKERS.

UNDER THE LAW, STATE AND LOCAL PUBLIC HEALTH DEPARTMENTS CANNOT REQUIRE A PERMIT OR REGULATE THE SALE OF LEMONADE AND OTHER NON-ALCOHOLIC DRINKS BY KIDS UNDER 16.