Barwon Heads restaurant fined over child employment breaches

A BARWON Heads restaurant has been convicted and fined $4,000 for breaking Victoria’s child employment laws.

Last week, Wage Inspectorate Victoria announced Mangroves Bar Pty Ltd, trading as Mangroves Bar and Grill at 44 Hitchock Avenue, had pleaded guilty in the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court to employing a child under 15 without a permit; for employing a child under 15 for more than six hours a day, the maximum allowed during school holidays; and for not providing rest breaks of 30 minutes for every three hours worked.

The state’s child employment regulator began an investigation late last year after Mangroves Bar and Grill applied for a child employment permit but withdrew the application when it was asked to provide more information.

The investigation found Mangroves Bar and Grill employed the child without a permit anyway, and also uncovered breaches of other conditions relating to the child’s employment.

The business is now permanently closed.

“The biggest risk with breaking these laws is that a child gets seriously hurt, but this judgment shows there are financial and reputational risks to ignoring child employment laws, too,” Wage Inspectorate Victoria commissioner Robert Hortle said.

“This matter serves as a warning to any business considering shirking child employment laws. Our officers are inspecting businesses across Victoria, and we won’t hesitate to take serious matters to court.

“The permit system enables us to ensure matters like safety, hours of work, rest breaks and supervision are properly considered.

“There’s no excuse for not having one, particularly if you already know the rules.”

The prosecution of Mangroves Bar Pty Ltd follows other recent prosecutions started by the Wage Inspectorate, including against Muffin Break in April and against Red Rooster and Cold Rock in May.

Victoria’s child employment laws require employers of children under 15 to obtain a permit from the Wage Inspectorate before any work takes place.

From July 1 this year, the permit system will be replaced by a licensing system.

Workers under 15 must be supervised by someone who holds a valid Victorian Working with Children Clearance, unless exempt.