The Estonian Chamber of Commerce and Industry proposes allowing teenagers aged 16 and older to work in positions related to the sale and offering of alcoholic beverages, as it believes that current restrictions hinder youth from entering the labor market.
According to the chamber, teenagers aged 16 and older should be allowed to perform work related to the manufacturing, offering for sale, and selling of alcoholic beverages.
In practice, this would mean the possibility of working, for example, in catering establishments and hotels, where young Estonians are often offered their first jobs. The chamber believes that the current restrictions exacerbate the labor shortage in sectors with high demand for seasonal workers and part-time employment.
The proposal implies that parental consent will be required for employment, and the employer will retain the obligation to ensure a safe working environment.
The chamber also proposed allowing teenagers aged 13 to 15 to perform simple auxiliary tasks in catering establishments, such as cleaning premises, washing dishes and glasses, including those used for alcoholic beverages. However, they will not participate in the serving or selling of alcohol.
There are other ideas as well. For instance, Estonian children aged 7 and older will be able to work in family businesses without regard to existing restrictions on areas of activity. Additionally, minors in the future will be able to work during school holidays longer than currently permitted.
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