North west tavern fined $6,000 for employing 14-year-old boys
Issue Date: - Thursday, 2 July 2009
A Karratha tavern has been fined $6,000 for illegally employing children.
Raydale Holdings Pty Ltd trading as the Tambrey Tavern and Function Centre in Karratha entered a plea of guilty to two charges in the Perth Industrial Magistrate’s Court.
The charges related to employing two boys aged 14 years whose duties included collecting cutlery, crockery and empty glasses from inside and outside the tavern. One child worked a total of 14 shifts, including one on a Friday night that finished at 12.20am. The other child worked a total of five shifts.
Under the Children and Community Services Act 2004 it is illegal for businesses in the hotel and tavern industry to employ children under 15 years of age.
The company was prosecuted by the Labour Relations Division of the Department of Commerce.
Acting Director of the Compliance and Education Directorate of the Labour Relations Division Mr Joseph Lee said, “The fine imposed demonstrates the seriousness with which the court views such offences. It should serve as a warning to all employers of the consequences of not abiding by the law.”
“Of particular concern is the environment in which these boys were working,” Mr Lee said.
“There are clear and inherent risks associated with children working in a licensed premise where patrons are consuming alcohol.”
The department has consistently provided employers information and advice on their obligations when employing children and will continue to do so in an effort to ensure compliance with the laws.
Mr Lee urged employers wishing to check their employment obligations, including those on employing children, to contact Wageline on 1300 655 266.
“The Wageline service is free and confidential and generally, in the space of a five minute call, employers are provided with sufficient information on their obligations to avoid the prospect of breaching the law as has occurred in this instance.”
Media Contact:
Joseph Lee, A/Director Compliance and Education.
Labour Relations Division,
Department of Commerce