Georgia’s labor laws for catering companies can confuse owners. Staying compliant adds stress. This guide makes Georgia labor laws clear for your Catering Company. Protect your business and employees. Lavu helps you meet these regulations. Visit https://lavu.com/demo to see how our tools support your catering business.
Minimum Wage
Current rate: $7.25 per hour (effective July 24, 2009)
Future changes: No state-mandated changes are currently scheduled for Georgia.
- Georgia’s minimum wage uses the federal rate.
- The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) covers most catering employees.
- Employers must pay the federal minimum wage.
- Exceptions apply to some student workers or disabled individuals.
Tipped Employees
Tip credit allowed: Yes
Minimum cash wage: $2.13 per hour
Federal law sets tip pooling rules. Employers may require tip pooling among employees who regularly receive tips. Managers and supervisors cannot join tip pools.
- Employers must tell tipped employees about the tip credit before using it.
- Cash wage and tips together must meet or exceed the federal minimum wage.
- If tips fall short, the employer must pay the difference.
- Only employees who directly serve customers can join a tip pool.
- Marty, Lavu’s AI, tracks tip distributions. This helps with audits.
Compliance Checklist
Verify all employees earn at least the federal minimum wage.
Ensure tipped employees’ cash wage plus tips meet the federal minimum wage.
Display official state and federal labor law posters visibly.
Accurately track all employee hours, including start, end, and break times.
Calculate and pay overtime at 1.5 times the regular rate for hours over 40.
Maintain detailed payroll records for at least three years.
Provide reasonable break time and a private space for nursing mothers.
Review and update employee handbooks with current labor policies.
Comply with all federal child labor laws for any minor employees.
Ensure workers’ compensation insurance is active and covers eligible employees.
Train managers on EEO policies and preventing discrimination.
Audit tip distribution records regularly to ensure compliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Georgia have its own state minimum wage for Catering Companys?
No. Georgia follows the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour. Most catering companies must meet this federal standard.
Can I pay my catering servers the tipped minimum wage in Georgia?
Yes. Georgia allows employers to pay a tipped cash wage of $2.13 per hour. Tips and cash wages combined must meet the federal minimum wage.
Are catering employees entitled to meal or rest breaks in Georgia?
No. Georgia law does not require meal or rest breaks for adult employees. Federal law also has no such rules.
How is overtime calculated for a catering employee in Georgia?
Overtime is 1.5 times the regular rate of pay. It applies to non-exempt employees working over 40 hours in one workweek.
Do I need to display labor law posters in my catering office or kitchen?
Yes. Employers must visibly display federal and state labor law posters. This shows employees their rights.
Can I implement a tip pool for my catering team in Georgia?
Yes. Federal law allows tip pooling for employees who regularly receive tips. Managers and supervisors cannot join the pool.
Are there special rules for hiring teenagers for catering events in Georgia?
Yes. Federal and Georgia child labor laws limit minors’ work hours and job types. Follow age-specific rules.
Does Georgia have predictive scheduling laws for restaurant workers?
No. Georgia has no state predictive scheduling laws. Employers do not need to give advance notice or pay for schedule changes under state law.
What happens if an employee works more than 8 hours in a day for a catering event? Do they get overtime?
No, not automatically. Georgia overtime depends on hours over 40 in a workweek, not daily hours.
How can Lavu help my catering company with labor law compliance?
Lavu’s POS system tracks employee hours accurately. Marty, Lavu’s AI analytics, shows labor costs and compliance risks.
Ready to see Lavu in action?
Book a free demo and see how Lavu helps operators like you.
