Some children set up a lemonade stand near the site of the U.S. Open on the corner of a busy intersection. They intended to raise money for charity.

County inspectors shut down the stand and fined the parents of the children $500, after allegedly warning them about the necesity of obtaining a vendor’s license.

Yes, children shouldn’t be required to know every section of the law, but the parents were assisting with the operation of the stand. The parents shouldn’t expect that just because children are involved, the law can be subverted.

Teaching kids right from wrong is a basic notion all parents adhere to. Even if the parents were unaware of their childrens’ need for a permit, this is a poor reason to complain about their treatment.

The parents should have checked to be certain that the childrens’ operation of the stand was legal, or at the least thought about potential threats to the safety of their customers.

This incident is another example of parents becoming angry because their mistake was brought to light.

Due to the “outrage” of the public and unfavorable media coverage, county officials later allowed the stand to reopen 100 feet away from the intersection and waived the fine.

This decision only shows how much people do not understand the need for adherence to the law. There was a safety issue, and the permit requirements helped keep nonlicensed vendors from horning in on the vendors that did pay.

The parents have just shown their children that the law is not a concern until you get slapped with a violation. That is not the message children need. Even if it might be confusing, it is the duty of the parents to explain the law so children grow up respecting it.