Can You Hire a 14-Year-Old in a Pub? A Guide to Legal Working Ages in Licensed Premises
If you run a pub, restaurant, or café in Englan or Wales, you know the staffing struggle is real. With busy summer seasons and holiday rushes, many business owners look to younger local teenagers for help. Conversely, if you are a teenager (or the parent of one) looking for that first paycheck, the local pub seems like a great place to start.
But when alcohol is involved, the laws get tricky. Can a 14-year-old collect glasses? Can a 16-year-old pour a pint?
Here is the breakdown of what ages can legally work in licensed premises in England and Wales, starting from age 14.
1. The 13, 14, and 15-Year-Olds (School Age Children)
The "Light Work" Crew
Technically, children can start working part-time from age 13 (or 14 in some council areas), but they are heavily restricted to protect their education and safety.
Can they work in a pub?
Yes, but with major restrictions.
They generally cannot work in the bar area itself during opening hours (where alcohol is exclusively sold). However, they can work in:
* The kitchen (washing up, prepping food).
* Restaurant/dining areas (waiting on tables).
* Gardens or clearing glasses (glass collecting) away from the bar counter.
The "No Alcohol" Rule
It is strictly illegal for anyone under 18 to sell alcohol.
* A 14-year-old cannot pour a pint.
* They cannot ring up a sale of alcohol at the till.
* They generally should not "dispense" alcohol (take it from the bar to the table), though laws allow some flexibility for serving with a meal in a restaurant area, most employers avoid this risk entirely for under-16s.
The "7 PM Curfew" (The Dealbreaker)
This is the rule that catches most people out.
In England and Wales, children of compulsory school age cannot work after 7:00 PM.
* Earliest start: 7:00 AM.
* Latest finish: 7:00 PM.
This makes "evening shifts" impossible for this age group. They are best suited for weekend lunch rushes or breakfast shifts.
Essential Requirement: The Permit
If you hire someone under school-leaving age (usually under 16), the employer must apply for a Child Employment Permit from the local council. Without this, the insurance is invalid, and the employer can be fined.
2. The 16 and 17-Year-Olds (Young Workers)
The "Approved Sale" Team
Once a teenager reaches the official School Leaving Age (the last Friday in June of the school year they turn 16), the rules relax significantly. They are no longer "children" in employment law terms, but "Young Workers."
Can they work behind the bar?
Yes.
At 16 and 17, they can legally work behind the bar and serve alcohol, BUT there is a catch.
Every single sale of alcohol they make must be "specifically approved" by a responsible person aged 18 or over (like the landlord or bar manager).
* In practice: This doesn't mean the manager has to shout "I approve!" for every pint. It usually means an 18+ supervisor is present at the bar, overseeing the work and authorizing the sales.
Can they serve alcohol at tables?
Yes.
They can take orders and deliver drinks to tables, especially in restaurant areas, provided the alcohol is for consumption with a meal.
Working Hours
The 7 PM curfew is gone.
* They can work until 10:00 PM or 11:00 PM.
* They generally cannot work between midnight and 4 AM (though hospitality has some exceptions, it’s rare to use them for minors due to welfare concerns).
* Maximum hours: 40 hours per week.
* Breaks: They need a 30-minute break if they work more than 4.5 hours (stricter than adult rules).
Summary Table: What Can They Do?
| Age Group | Can they work in a kitchen? | Can they clear glasses? | Can they pour/sell alcohol? | Latest Finish Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 & 15 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes (Light work) | ❌ NO | 7:00 PM |
| 16 & 17 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Yes (If approved/supervised) | ~10:00/11:00 PM |
| 18+ | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | License permitted hours |
3. A Note on "Local Bylaws"
While national law sets the baseline, Local Councils have the power to add extra rules. Some councils prohibit under-16s from working in any commercial kitchen, or restrict the number of hours further.
* Action: Always check the website of the specific local council where the business is based.
The Bottom Line
* If you are 14: Look for weekend lunch shifts washing dishes or running food. You cannot work Friday nights.
* If you are an Employer: 16 and 17-year-olds are great for bar support and serving, provided you have a strict supervision policy in place. For 14-year-olds, stick to the kitchen or floor during the day, and get that council permit!
Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws regarding child employment can vary by local authority in England and Wales. Always check with your local council's education welfare department.
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