The Charleys Philly Steaks location in San Angelo has closed after it was determined the business underpaid workers and violated child labor standards, according to a release from the U.S. Department of Labor's Wage and Hour Division.

"The employer instructed the workers to clock out after the regular closing time, but made them stay to continue working," the release stated. "Charleys Philly Steaks also violated child labor standards by allowing five minors to work more than the number of hours, and past specific times federal law allows."

Investigators also found the employer in violation of child labor prohibited occupations when it regularly allowed one minor to use a deep fryer.

Back wages recovered included: $3,184 in overtime back wages, $3,184 in liquidated damages and $3,786 in assessed civil money penalties.

“This young workforce is providing high demand services to all of us. The federal child labor laws were enacted to ensure that when young people work, the work is safe and does not jeopardize their health, well-being or educational opportunities,” said Wage and Hour District Director Nicole Sellers. “Violating a worker’s right to get paid what they earned and putting minors in danger is not only illegal, it leaves a negative impression of the workforce on our youth in our community. This is most critical in a period when employers struggle to find a much-needed workforce.”

The business was located at Sunset Mall, 4001 Sunset Drive. It has been closed since late May 2022 along with Great American Cookies and Pretzel Maker, which are all under the same operator.

This article originally appeared on San Angelo Standard-Times: Charleys Philly Steaks in San Angelo found to have underpaid workers