California Youth Employment Laws for Restaurants

California Youth Employment Laws for Restaurants: Key Takeaways

• Youths under 18 require a valid work permit before employment in California restaurants.
• Work hours are strictly regulated by age and whether school is in session, limiting daily and weekly hours.
• Minors are prohibited from performing hazardous duties, including operating power machinery, serving alcohol, and certain cooking tasks for younger teens.

California imposes detailed rules for youth employment in restaurants to protect minors’ safety and schooling.

This guide explains work permits, allowable hours, and prohibited duties for minors under 18 in California’s restaurant industry.

When creating job ads for teen applicants, review age requirement guidelines to ensure compliant, non-discriminatory postings.

1. Understanding Work Permits for California Youth in Restaurants

In California, all employees under 18 must obtain a work permit prior to starting any job, including restaurant work.

This permit is issued by the minor’s school, requiring signatures from the minor, a parent or guardian, and the employer.

During summer or school breaks, permits may be issued by the local school district superintendent where the minor lives.

Work permits obtained during the school year expire five days after that school year begins and must be renewed annually.

Employers must verify the validity of permits before allowing minors to work to stay compliant with state law.

For local context, see Los Angeles hiring at 16 to understand common entry-level roles for minors.

2. California Work Hours for Minors in Restaurants

California sets distinct work hour limits based on a minor's age and whether school is in session to balance education and employment.

Hours for Ages 14 to 15

• During school: Up to 3 hours on school days, up to 8 hours on non-school days, maximum 18 hours weekly.
• Allowed work time spans 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. when school is in session.
• When school is out: Up to 8 hours daily, 40 hours weekly.
• Permitted work hours extend to 9 p.m. from June 1 through Labor Day.

Entry-level roles like the busser job description often align with these hour limits and safety rules.

Hours for Ages 16 to 17

• During school: Up to 4 hours on school days, up to 8 hours on non-school days, maximum 48 hours weekly.
• Permitted hours range from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., extended to 12:30 a.m. before non-school days.
• When school is out: Up to 8 hours daily, 48 hours weekly.
• Work hours are allowed between 5 a.m. and 12:30 a.m.

Many 16–17-year-olds start in front-of-house positions; review food runner duties to set safe, age-appropriate expectations.

3. Prohibited Duties for Minors in California Restaurants

California law prohibits minors from engaging in hazardous or unsafe tasks within restaurant settings to protect their health and safety.

Common prohibitions include:

• Driving motor vehicles on public streets as a primary duty, with limited exceptions for 17-year-olds.
• Operating power-driven machines such as meat slicers, bakery equipment, or circular saws.
• Handling alcohol by preparing, serving, or selling it.
• Exposure to radiation or work involving wrecking, demolition, excavation, or roofing.

Minors aged 14-15 face additional restrictions, including:

• No baking activities.
• Cooking limited only to electric or gas grills without open flames and deep fryers with automatic baskets.
• Prohibition from working in dry cleaning, commercial laundry, construction, or manufacturing jobs.
• No loading or unloading trucks, working on ladders, scaffolds, or moving belts.

Because alcohol handling is prohibited, roles centered on service of alcohol—see bartender job duties—are not permitted for minors.

4. Additional Considerations for Youth Employment in California Restaurants

Employers must provide a safe workplace environment, including training on safety protocols and emergency procedures tailored to minors.

California mandates minors have a 30-minute meal break after no more than 5 hours of work and a 10-minute rest break every 4 hours.

Effective January 1, 2024, the minimum wage in California is $16.00 per hour, applicable to all employees, including minors.

To protect young workers and guests, implement an employee illness policy that clarifies reporting and exclusion from work when sick.

Back-of-house positions such as the dishwasher job description can suit minors when tasks and equipment meet safety rules.

5. Compliance Guidelines for Employers Hiring Minors in California Restaurants

• Obtain and verify valid work permits for minors before employment starts.
• Schedule work hours within legal limits for the minor’s age and school status.
• Avoid assigning prohibited duties that pose safety risks to young workers.
• Ensure minors receive required meal and rest breaks during shifts.
• Maintain records of permits, training, and schedules for labor law compliance checks.

Before onboarding, confirm California background checks are conducted lawfully and only for permitted positions.

6. Resources for California Youth Employment Laws

• California Department of Industrial Relations: Information on Minors and Employment
• Young Workers’ Rights FAQ: Questions about Youth Employment
• California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Section 11030: Wage, Hours, and Working Conditions Rules

California Youth Employment Laws for Restaurants: Conclusion

Employing youth in California restaurants demands adherence to strict rules governing work permits, hours, and job duties, ensuring minors’ safety and educational priorities.

Employers who carefully follow these regulations create lawful, secure, and supportive environments that foster positive early work experiences for young workers.

For staffing guidance beyond compliance, see hire a server to build a safe, youth-friendly front-of-house team.