Cliff Walk lemonade stand shut down because of ordinance
By Alana Cerrone
@Alana_Cerrone
NEWPORT, R.I. (WLNE) – A video showing a police officer shutting down children’s lemonade stand on the Cliff Walk is sparking debate about a city ordinance.
In the video, taken over the weekend and posted to ‘Newport Buzz’, the officer tells the two kids running the stand that they have to pack up.
Turns out, there’s a city ordinance banning any type of vendor on the Cliff Walk.
According to the officer, it was passed last year when a woman was basically running a concession stand on the Walk.
Visitors we spoke with have mixed emotions on the law itself.
"It’s ridiculous. I was a kid once myself and I used to have a lemonade stand or during the jazz festivals I’d collect bottles…I don’t think there’s anything wrong with it," says Pete Cassese.
"I can understand what they’re trying to say – they’re trying to say it’s not just lemonade, there’ll be other businesses up and down the walk," said Ruth Rubenstein.
Police tell ABC6 they have to enforce local ordinances fairly and justly for everyone.
©WLNE-TV 2018
