Hello all, I have been interested in Restaurant Magic for a while now, and I feel I am ready to start looking for a job, the only problem is, I'm 14, and I don't know if it is likely (or even legal) that a restaurant would hire me. Does anybody know if a 14 year old can work a restaurant? Thanks.

P.S. I apologize if a similar topic has been posted before, I searched for it, but couldn't find anything.

I imagine it would depend on the location your in. But if you present yourself in a well dressed manner and let the owner know that you are serious about your work chances are you will be given some sort of a chance. Remember first impressions are everything and can be made in less than 30 seconds.

Don't you need a workers permit?

I believe Collin is only 14, and he works in a restaurant. I'm 14, too, so I'm looking forward to hearing everyone's responses.

Took the words right out of my mouth cameron...Yes im only 14 and i work at a restraunt....i didnt have a workers permit, just go out there and "wow" and amaze them and they will go around all those little details for you and get you the job, thats what they did for me....have fun and practice practice practice!

If your getting paid legitimatly (probably misspelled), you have to have a workers permit. If getting paid "under the table," then you can get away without being legal easily (getting paid under the table is technically illegal anyway, since you aren't paying taxes).


So, to answer the question, legally yes you must be of age with a valid workers permit, and all money must be reported to the government (not that most people here that are restaurant workers are doing that).

I worked at a Gardening store last summer going around planting trees etc. for people and re-doing gardens when people went on vacation, and I was paid under the table. The reason for this was because 90% of the people who worked there were illegal immigrants. I got paid tax free because of this, but yes it is illegal.

The store didn't get busted because it wasn't obvious that I was getting paid like this, but if they have a 14 year old performing at a public restaurant, I would think word might get around. A worker's permit isn't hard to get, and I would suggest maybe trying to do things the legal way.

Make sure you really blow the manager away too, because I know I wouldn't hire a 14 year old to walk around my restaurant unless he was REALLY good! Surprise 'em!

Working magic under the table is kind of like copying a video or taping from cable television....it is illegal but its one of those things that people turn their heads the other way for.

Still, I would advise to do things the legal way. If you ever do have a situation, it will save a lot of heartache that way. And, you won't have the IRS looking for you.

Taping from cable TV is illegal?! Oh [insert bad word here]!









LOL! J.K

What about the alcoholic beverages issue?.....anyone have any info on this?.....would/could a restaurant that sells alcohol legally hire an underaged magician?.....paid under the table or otherwise?

Hmm...I have no experience with working at a restaurant, however I did do computer jobs when I was 13. They just signed me on as a private contractor. Wonder if this would work for a restaurant position?

Good luck!

Frijid, when I was working in columbus for a little bit the law was that anyone under 21 was not even allowed to handle alcohol of any kind. They could be in a place that served/sold it but were never allowed to promote or handle it.

When I was 14 (many years ago) I got a job at a roller rink doing magic for the kid parties that were there. I only got paid 20 dollars a show, (The roller rink charged 40 for my show) Sometimes I got a tip from the mom.
It was all under the table but you have to make at least 8000 a year for the I.R.S to know you exist and I am sure the company that hires you will not make a 14 year old fill out a w2 form. By the way guys. When they do make you fill out that form. Save all your receipts. When you buy a trick from penguin save your receipt. Tux cleaning, Milage to shows (I.R.S. allows 25 cents per mile and that adds up quick) bird food, rabbit food, Decks of cards, balloons, business cards, yellow pages ads, and the like. I know this sounds obvious but what I did not know could have saved me 2 or 3 grand one year so save those receipts

Yeah, if your getting paid legit than you can save everything you spend on magic as a tax write off at the end of the year.


Be prepared to give H&R Block a call or have a tax-preparing relative that can handle the headache it is at the end of the year.

I will probably get a workers permit soon then, but where i live i dont have to pay taxes till im 18 ...but about the acholic bevrages, they serve them at the restraunt i work at, but the GM just told me not to go to the bar...otherwise its all good i guess