Usually I'm on the side of business and don't like government intruding into our lives. In these cases I'm glad they are aggressively pursuing this. A simple 5 second search on the internet brought me right to the NH DOL website. (I'm sure they would mail it to people who don't have or won't use a computer.)
http://www.labor.state.nh.us/
Two or three clicks later I was into the page that clearly listed the regulations for hiring minors.
From the site:
http://gencourt.state.nh.us/rsa/html...-A/276-A-4.htm
IV. No youth under 16 years of age shall be employed or permitted to work earlier than 7 o'clock a.m. or later than 9 o'clock p.m., more than 3 hours per day on school days and 23 hours per week during school weeks, except that on nonschool days he may be employed 8 hours per day and, during vacations, 48 hours per week. Upon application by an employer who employs a youth under 16 years of age in agricultural work, the commissioner of labor may order that the restriction upon hours of work imposed by this paragraph be suspended.
Pretty clear, years ago children were regularly abused by employers which is why these laws exist. While I know the people and businesses above are not abusers, they need to be aware and comply with these rules. The fact that they are getting caught in violation of these rules shows that the audits should be more frequent and if necessary the fines larger. There's no need to be scared of the DOL, just follow the rules. If you are an employer, take the time ( probably less than 2 hours) to understand the rules regarding hiring minors and the postings you are requried to have.
