US Department of Labor fines Utah creamery $42K for violating federal child labor law

Employer name:           The Sweet Place LLC operating as Cold Stone Creamery

Investigation sites:      175 25th St., Suite 100, Ogden, UT 84401

                                                1917 W. 1800 N., Suite A5, Clinton, UT 84015

                                                936 N. Main St., Suite D, Layton, UT 84041

Investigation findings: The U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division found the employer violated federal law by allowing minor employees ages 14 to 15 years-old to work too late in the day and too many hours in a week while school was in session at three of its restaurants located in Ogden, Clinton and Layton. The employer stated it relied on erroneous legal guidance advising it to follow state guidelines – reliance that contributed to the employer paying more than $42,000 in penalties.

Civil Money Penalties: The division assessed $42,714 in penalties for child labor violations.

Quote: “The legal guidance the employer relied on was incorrect and ultimately resulted in federal child labor law violations, costing it over $42,000 in penalties,” explained Wage and Hour District Director Kevin Hunt in Salt Lake City. “We encourage employers and employees to contact our office directly to get accurate information pertaining to federal labor laws and avoid an unfortunate situation like this one.”