New rules in Alberta when hiring adolescents in food services

Employers in the restaurant and food services industry no longer have to apply to Employment Standards for a permit

Employers in the restaurant and food services industry no longer have to apply to Employment Standards for a permit before hiring young people between ages of 12 and 14 years to do certain jobs.

As of June 3, 2005, Employment Standards has designated the restaurant and food services industry as an "approved occupation" for employees in this age group. As a result, employers in the industry may now hire 12 to 14-years-olds to do jobs such as: host/hostess, cashier, waiting on tables, dish washing, bussing tables, customer service, assembling orders, and cleaning without first having to get a permit.

Before hiring adolescents, employers must still first obtain consent from a parent or guardian and fill out a safety checklist for the individual. Employment Standards will monitor young people working in the industry to ensure the employer is complying with the requirements.

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