There has been a loooong thread on here about legal or not. I am wondering what you think about making cakes as long as the person pays the baker "friend" for "supplies"? Legal or not? About the food poisoning/suing question, explain the lack of licensing and sign a waiver??

I would love to get your opinions...I live in Arkansas and I'm pretty sure in-home baking is OUT, and I can't build a separate kitchen(live in a subdivision with way too many rules)...and renting a place in town is not something I can afford!!

I don't know about the legal aspects in AK, but here are some suggestions. Check with any local churches or private schools. Perhaps you can work out a barter trade deal, or maybe a local catering company that subs out their cakes. You may be surprised at how flexible people can be. I am awaiting completion of a commercial kitchen at a new private school that just opened in my area. They are non-profit, so they don't want me to pay "rent". In exchange for their kitchen use, they want me to teach home ec. for special holidays, etc. and do cakes for any events they may be having. How can I say no?! Just waiting for the kitchen to be completed.
Good luck in your search for kitchen space!

If you read any of the long thread (and here are several more), you know that exchanging money for cake, even if it is just for supplies or a 'donation' you may be breaking the law in many states.

You cannot have anyone sign a waiver- you can't have an agreement for an illegal act.

You would be personally liable for any food related illness.

These are risks many bakers/decorators take, but they take them with careful consideration. Any unhappy customer, or competitor can report you, resulting in fines in the thousands of dollars.

UrggggHHHH! It is just so unfair! Loving what you do and not being able to do it. I wish that I could make cakes for free, but that is impossible.
Thanks for the post!!