U.S. Department of Labor Finds Athens, Georgia, Restaurant Employed Minors in Violation of Federal Law, Assesses $10,590 in Penalties

ATHENS, GA – An investigation by the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division (WHD) has determined that FQSR LLC – an Athens, Georgia, fast-food restaurant operator – violated child labor provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The Department assessed the restaurant $10,590 in civil money penalties.

WHD investigators determined that FQSR LLC – doing business as KBP Foods as operator of a Kentucky Fried Chicken/Taco Bell restaurant – violated the FLSA when it employed three minors, ages 16 and 17, to operate an industrial mixer, a violation of Hazardous Order No. 11, which governs occupations involved in the use of bakery machines. KBP Foods also allowed one 16-year-old employee to drive a personal vehicle to pick up supplies for the restaurant, a violation of Hazardous Order No. 2, which governs minor employees driving as part of their employment.

"Keeping youth safe in the workplace is a top priority of the U.S. Department of Labor," said Wage and Hour Division District Director Eric Williams, in Atlanta. "This case is an important reminder to all businesses that employ youth under 18 to review their policies and ensure these employees are not put into harm's way. We encourage all employers to make use of the many tools we provide to help them understand and comply with the law, and to call us for assistance."

For more information about the FLSA and other laws enforced by the Wage and Hour Division, contact the toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243). Information is also available at https://www.dol.gov/whd.