Restaurant in Florida Pays over $70,000 for Labor Law Violations

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A restaurant in Florida has been ordered to pay over $70,000 to its employees after numerous labor law violations. The Tampa Bay Brewing Company violated the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), according to the US Department of Labor. The restaurant broke the law by allowing managers to take money from the restaurant’s tip pool even though they were not entitled to tips. The Department of Labor added that the company incorrectly exempted a manager from overtime. According to the FLSA, companies can pay less than the minimum wage to employees who get tips as long as the companies meet all the legal requirements. However, by allowing managers to receive some of the tips, the Tampa Bay Brewing Company became ineligible to use tips as part of their employees' wages. The restaurant was then required to pay 36 employees the full minimum wage. General Manager Jeffrey Hall explained that the company has agreed to pay $70,575 in total. According to the company, it has processed the repayments, and the affected employees will receive their back wages in a lump sum. Tampa Wage and Hour Division District Director Nicolas Ratmiroff said that the agency’s goal is to make sure all employers have a good understanding of their responsibilities in compliance with the law. He encouraged employers or workers with questions to call their offices and speak privately with trained agency personnel.