Federal law permits 14-15 year-olds to work limited hours in non-hazardous jobs, but state regulations vary significantly. Cracker Barrel adheres to both federal standards and stricter state-specific hiring laws for minor employees.
States Permitting 15-Year-Old Hiring (with restrictions)
- Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee: 15-year-olds may work with parental consent and restricted hours. School attendance is mandatory.
- Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana: Hiring allowed under FLSA limitations (e.g., no later than 9 pm during school terms). Requires work permits.
- Florida, Texas: Permits 15-year-olds for roles excluding alcohol service or heavy equipment operation. Mandatory meal/rest breaks enforced.
States Prohibiting Employment Under Age 16
- New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois: Minimum hiring age is 16 for most non-agricultural jobs.
- California: Strictly prohibits most formal employment before 16. Limited exceptions exist for entertainment or family businesses.
- New Jersey: Requires special permits for minors under 16, rarely issued for restaurant roles.
Critical Compliance Requirements
- Work Permits: Required in 30 states for minors under 16. Issued by schools with parental consent.
- Hour Restrictions: Max 3 hours/day on school days (federal). Many states impose earlier shift-end times.
- Prohibited Duties: Minors cannot operate meat slicers, trash compactors, or power-driven bakery equipment per FLSA.
State labor departments periodically update minor work laws. Cracker Barrel location managers verify age compliance during onboarding using state-specific documentation checklists.
