Four years ago, home bakers in Wisconsin won a court battle allowing them to sell bread, cookies and other baked items without a commercial license. But last year, after Ellie Boehm, 15, began selling macarons she baked, the Wisconsin Bakers Association sent her a letter warning that her business is in violation of the law. It turns out that the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, which enforces commercial baking licenses, has interpreted the court ruling as applying only to goods baked with flour. Macarons use almond powder instead. Boehm, the Wisconsin Cottage Food Association, and other plaintiffs are now suing the state, saying its interpretation of the original court ruling is too narrow and unfair.
Founded in 1968, Reason is the magazine of free minds and free markets. We produce hard-hitting independent journalism on civil liberties, politics, technology, culture, policy, and commerce. Reason exists outside of the left/right echo chamber. Our goal is to deliver fresh, unbiased information and insights to our readers, viewers, and listeners every day. Visit https://reason.com