3 ms·

Actually, poor people start lots of businesses, particularly immigrant families. In lots of cases those tend to be mom-and-pop operations, not things intended

Actually, poor people start lots of businesses, particularly immigrant families. In lots of cases those tend to be mom-and-pop operations, not things intended to become unicorns or anything, just enough to afford independence from "the man", or to give the kids an opportunity to get an education etc. (Kim's Convenience really gets at this dynamic pretty well for immigrant families). Often times too, poor people's businesses are in the gray economy. Pushing around a cart selling ice-cream, going house to house selling tamales, maintaining a clientele fro nails and hair styling. In fact, one of the biggest obstacles to these folks are the local regulations. I'm no libertarian, but it has long been clear to me that the licensing requirements etc. for some of this stuff is a real obstacle to moving out of the gray economy for them.

ROTMetro 4y ago
When I lived in California there were yearly stories about homemade cheese that was getting sold and killing people and a push to remind people of this reality. The 'licensing requirements' are there for a reason, around food the reason is to prevent deaths or permanent disabilities from food poisoning.
- ClumsyPilot 4y ago
  Sure, but other requirements are stupid, like you can't open a cafe in US without having a lot of land for parking. Also in Britain, surprisingly, you can register a takeaway anywhere, even at your home, and if you don't handle animal products, there is no requirements to meet at all. You don't have to show your hygiene rating to customers either. "When you start a new food business or take over an existing business, you must register with your local authority. It’s free to register, and your registration cannot be refused. You should register at least 28 days before opening. If you’re already trading and have not registered, you need to do this as soon as possible."

ROTMetro 4y ago

When I lived in California there were yearly stories about homemade cheese that was getting sold and killing people and a push to remind people of this reality. The 'licensing requirements' are there for a reason, around food the reason is to prevent deaths or permanent disabilities from food poisoning.

ClumsyPilot 4y ago
Sure, but other requirements are stupid, like you can't open a cafe in US without having a lot of land for parking. Also in Britain, surprisingly, you can register a takeaway anywhere, even at your home, and if you don't handle animal products, there is no requirements to meet at all. You don't have to show your hygiene rating to customers either. "When you start a new food business or take over an existing business, you must register with your local authority. It’s free to register, and your registration cannot be refused. You should register at least 28 days before opening. If you’re already trading and have not registered, you need to do this as soon as possible."