Colorado Sushi Restaurant Fined for Child Labor Violations

Mt. Fuji Sushi & Hibachi paid over $42,000 in penalties and back wages after investigation.

Mar. 3, 2026 at 9:54pm

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An Aurora, Colorado sushi restaurant has been penalized by the U.S. Department of Labor for violating federal child labor laws. The investigation found that the restaurant allowed a 17-year-old employee to operate a trash compactor, which is prohibited for minors, and employed 14- and 15-year-old workers for more hours than legally allowed. The restaurant also failed to properly pay overtime to its adult employees.

Why it matters

Child labor laws exist to protect young workers from hazardous tasks and excessive hours that could jeopardize their health, safety, and education. This case highlights the importance of restaurants and other employers strictly adhering to these regulations, which are in place to safeguard vulnerable workers.

The details

The owners of Mt. Fuji Sushi & Hibachi in Aurora, Colorado were fined $22,249 by the Department of Labor after the investigation found several violations. A 17-year-old employee was allowed to load a trash compactor, which is federally prohibited for minors. The restaurant also employed 14 workers aged 14 and 15, who were permitted to work later hours and more hours per day than federal law allows. Additionally, the restaurant failed to pay the required time-and-a-half overtime rate to its 19 adult employees, instead paying them their normal hourly wage for hours worked beyond 40 per week.

  • The investigation was conducted in 2026.

The players

Mt. Fuji Sushi & Hibachi

An Aurora, Colorado sushi restaurant that was fined by the U.S. Department of Labor for violating federal child labor laws.

U.S. Department of Labor

The federal agency that investigated the child labor violations at Mt. Fuji Sushi & Hibachi and imposed the $22,249 civil penalty.

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What’s next

The restaurant has agreed to pay $20,213 in back wages to its adult employees who were not properly compensated for overtime hours.

The takeaway

This case serves as a reminder to all employers, especially in the restaurant industry, to strictly adhere to child labor laws and properly compensate their workers, including paying required overtime rates. Violations can result in significant financial penalties that impact a business's bottom line.